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Video - Microscopic observation recording of the fungi cultures used.
Decantation funnel, borosilicate glass, PDA culture medium, food coloring.
Mixed fungal culture: Fusarium Oxysporum, Aspergillus Versicolor, Penicillium Citrinum, and an unidentified white fungus, inoculated on 01/10/24.
75 x 20 x 20 cm
2024
Decanting of a Promise results from an exploration of the possible dialogues between art and science, where glass and fungi converge in a pursuit of bridging these two realms. The integration of living microorganisms in artistic practice creates connections between the human and the non-human, offering new perspectives on co-creation and the interdependence of living systems. The art/science practice brings this dimension to the surface, initiating a dialogue, almost a negotiation, among the different parts involved. It is a collective effort — in this case, artist, glass, and fungi work together toward a potential outcome. Between the studio and the laboratory, interdisciplinary boundaries begin to blur as a possible shared practice between these two spaces is sought. This piece emerges from a practice that inhabits the boundary between scientific method and artistic process, exploring the incorporation of living microorganisms in artistic practice. This required engagement with scientific methods, technologies, and tools, which ultimately informed and integrated into the creative process. The spontaneous growth of fungal colonies on glass is possible after the formation of a silica gel layer over time, a result of prior corrosion processes; however, to accelerate this process and isolate specific fungal cultures, the method used involves the distribution of a culture medium adapted to each piece's specifications. The medium consists of potato dextrose agar, serving as nourishment for the fungal colonies over several weeks or months. Once the culture medium solidifies, the fungus is transferred into the pieces with an inoculation loop, initiating its life cycle.
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