One Bite — An Art Installation by Mathieu Pigeot

Hi, I’m Mathieu Pigeot — an artist and cultural practitioner based in Mauritius, and winner of the Samudra Art Prize 2024. I’ve been actively involved in shaping the local cultural scene through exhibitions, public projects, and collaborations that connect art with social and environmental questions.

Today, I’m raising funds to produce a new installation titled “One Bite”.

The Idea

This work explores the hidden link between animal farming and water consumption.

Most of us are aware, in a general sense, that producing meat requires significant resources. But the scale of that cost often remains abstract — numbers we read and quickly forget.

In reality:

• Producing 1 kg of beef requires around 15,000 litres of water (global average, Mekonnen & Hoekstra)
• Pork: ~6,000 L per kg
• Chicken: ~4,300 L per kg
• Eggs: ~3,300 L per kg

These figures include the full water footprint — from growing feed to sustaining the animals.

At the same time:

• Around 75% of global agricultural land is used for livestock
• Agriculture is the leading driver of deforestation, with livestock playing a major role

These are not distant, theoretical issues. They are part of a global system that we participate in every day through our consumption.

Why This Matters in Mauritius

Mauritius is not a major producer of beef or other animal products — but we are consumers, largely dependent on imports.

This means that while the environmental impact may occur elsewhere, we are directly connected to it.

As an island nation, we are also particularly vulnerable to ecological disruptions:

• climate change
• resource scarcity
• environmental instability

The choices we make locally are part of a much larger global equation — one that ultimately circles back to us.

The Artwork

“One Bite” is a minimalist, human-scale installation.

It translates the water required to produce a small portion of beef into physical form — allowing viewers to see and feel the scale of consumption rather than simply reading about it.

The piece is deliberately simple.

No spectacle. No excess.

Just a clear, direct transformation of data into matter — an experience that invites reflection rather than instruction.

Because sometimes, understanding doesn’t come from more information…
 but from encountering something in a tangible way.

Where It Will Be Shown

The installation will be presented in June at the Caudan Arts Centre, as part of a major art event that attracts:

• a wide public audience
• media coverage
• school visits and educational engagement

This provides a unique opportunity to bring the conversation into a shared public space.

In addition:

• The work will be documented upon unveiling
• A PR and media outreach campaign will be conducted
• The project will be shared online, including on my page:
  => https://www.facebook.com/mathieu.pigeot

The goal is to extend the impact beyond the exhibition itself — reaching a broader audience and sustaining the conversation.

Why I Need Your Support

This installation is large in scale and requires specialised materials (custom glass structure, fabrication, transport, installation).

While the concept is minimal, the production is not.

Your support will directly contribute to:

• fabrication of the installation
• materials and technical production
• logistics and installation
• documentation and communication

Why This Work Matters

Art has a unique ability to reach people differently.

Not by telling them what to think —
 but by creating a moment where they see things differently.

“One Bite” is not about blame.

It is about awareness.

It is about making visible what usually remains hidden —
 and allowing each person to reflect on their own relationship to it.

If it succeeds, it may simply plant a question.

And sometimes, that’s enough to begin change.

How You Can Help

If this project resonates with you, I invite you to support it in any way you can.

No contribution is too small.

By donating, you are not only helping bring this artwork to life —
 you are becoming part of a broader movement:

One that seeks to rethink how we live, consume, and relate to the world around us.

Thank You

Thank you for taking the time to read this,
 and for supporting art that engages with the world we share.

— Mathieu Pigeot