Monsanto®: A Photographic Investigation by Mathieu Asselin

In a meticulous 5-year investigation, supported by archival documentation, court files, personal letters company memorabilia and photographs, Asselin presents the reckless history of growth of the global biotechnology corporation Monsanto. Best known as the leading manufacturer of insecticides DDT, PCBs, Agent Orange and genetically engineered seeds, Monsanto‘s practices and products have caused de­vastating human, ecological and economic impacts throughout the company’s long history. Asselin conducted extensive research, travelling through Vietnam and the United States of America to find the people and places dramatically affec­ted by the products manufactured and sold by Monsanto. In this hard-hitting do­cumentation, Asselin exposes the global company’s practices and their cynical efforts to change their negative public image through children’s TV shows and marketing campaigns. Bayer AG. For his presentation, Mathieu wanted to eviden­ce the next chapter of the Monsanto saga, something he was not able to include in the book. This new element focuses on the corporation’s merger with pharmaceu­tical giant, Bayer AG and its connection to and influence on the stocks and shares of each company.

About the book:
For Monsanto: A Photographic Investigation, the Franco- Venezuelan photographer Mathieu Asselin was awarded by the Aperture Foundation First Book Award in 2017, the Dummy Book Award Kassel 2016, and a special mention at the Luma Dummy Book Award 2016 at the Rencontres de la Photographie (Arles), his book is shortlisted for the Deutsche Börse Photography Foundation 2018.. Beyond the distinguished editorial object, this recognition enshrines an exceptional documentary process conducted for five years through Vietnam and the United States, which gives an overwhelming portrait of the ancient and current practices of this giant chemical industry.