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Johanna I n the serene embrace of rural Oxfordshire, where nature’s symphony orchestrates the back-

ground of Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck’s life, a transdisciplinary artist and cultural practitioner
weaves a captivating tale. Born in France, seasoned by the landscapes of Germany and Switzer-
land, and settled in England since 2015, Johanna’s journey is a testament to the interconnectedness of art,
Tagada nature, and human connection.

The Melody of Herbal Tea in Alsace

Johanna’s artistic odyssey draws inspiration from the roots embedded in Alsace, France. Here, amidst the
rolling hills and quaint villages, her grandparents cultivated not just plants but a deep connection to herbal teas,
known as “tisanes.”!Calendula, chamomile, sage, nettle, and rosemary were not just herbs but threads weaving
Hoffbeck cloths, the rhythmic pulse of nature mirrored in the hands that nurtured it. These infusions, carefully brewed
through the fabric of family traditions.
In her grandmother Yolande’s kitchen, Johanna witnessed the delicate art of drying flowers on linen

from the harvested herbs, were more than drinks—they were rituals, connecting generations over shared mo-
ments at the table.
“As we were drinking cups of herbal tea that my grandparents grew, my grandmother would tell me how she
would drink herbal tea from the same variety of plants with her grandma, many decades ago. In that moment, I
A Tapestry of Tea, Art, and thought that time almost didn’t exist, because I was with her and she was me, but somehow, I was also her as a
child, as if going on and on and on, a continutiy I much love. I think that these timeless moments, like the time of
Shared Moments tea really have this strenght and they are not all rooted in modern technology. It is a continuous thread.” Johanna
shared her child’s time with us.
Tea in Johanna’s Artwork and Life

These simple yet profound rituals shaped Johanna’s artistic interpretations of tea. Tea features prominently
in Johanna’s artwork, both as a subject and a medium.
Tea leaves, particularly from Camellia Sinensis, find a second life in Johanna’s textile installations. In the
series “Penser, Manger, Partager,” infused tea and herbal teas become not just dyes but narratives captured in
fabric. These moments of tea, whether shared with others or enjoyed in solitude, become a part of the intricate
fabric of her artwork.
The concept of “Safe Space,” with its paintings and audio pieces, and her large tents, created from piles of
colored fabric, served as immersive spaces where people could sit and contemplate various subjects. In the in-
timacy of these art installations, the separation between observer and art dissolved, fostering a connection that
transcended the intimidating gallery space. It encapsulates the role of tea in fostering community, togetherness,
and caring for all living creatures that exemplifies Johanna’s art therapy philosophy. It goes beyond aesthetics,
delving into the emotional resonances of human connections. The canvas becomes a sanctuary where vulnerabil-
ity is embraced, and the act of sharing becomes a therapeutic dialogue.
In the intricate tapestry of Johanna’s creative endeavors, “Journal du Thé - Contemporary Tea Culture”
emerges as a significant thread. More than a magazine, it is a vessel for fostering dialogues among diverse person-
alities, disciplines, and cultures—using tea as the conduit for open and intimate discussions. The publication is a
Tea features manifestation of Johanna’s belief that nature, art, and human connection should not be distinct and hard to access.

prominently in

Johanna’s

artwork, both
as a subject

and a medium. Photo / Johanna Tagada Hoffbeck 45

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