Tashiya de Mel's 'To Taste a Bittersweet History' Examines Colonial Cinnamon Trade

Tashiya de Mel's initiative, 'To Taste a Bittersweet History,' explores the crucial role of cinnamon in Sri Lanka’s past, aiming to highlight often-ignored stories and the harsh realities of the Dutch colonial period. The Dutch East India Company (VOC) held control over the island from 1658 to 1796, significantly altering its culture and environment to monopolize cinnamon. As a Sri Lankan photographer and conservationist, de Mel employs innovative visual techniques to uncover the ecological and colonial legacies. Her work, which blends collective memories, offers new insights into this complex history. In 2024, parts of her project were showcased at the Royal Academy of Arts and Melkweg expo. She was also recognized in the FOTODOK Lighthouse Talent Program and received multiple awards for her creative efforts.