Isola Design Community - A Baby, A Beast - During the fermentation process of kombucha, a 
A Baby, A Beast
Exhibition
Oslo | Norway | 2022
Mari.koppanen    +Follow

During the fermentation process of kombucha, a cellulose-based biofilm forms on the surface of the liquid. This symbiotic culture of bacteria and yeast, SCOBY, contains cellulose, different bacterial species and different types of yeast.

A Baby, A Beast explores tactility through fungal and bacterial matter and investigates the line between living and non-living. It displays a collection of samples from SCOBY both in living form as well as in dried and texturized forms. Skin and human body contains different type of fungi, bacteria and yeasts and this material has a very much of a flesh or skin like texture connecting the human and non-human together.

This material research strongly emphasizes the symbiosis between human and fungus. It challenges the boundaries of contemporary design and material possibilities. My aim is to garner an understanding of possible future applications on fungi-based materials, yet I want to keep my attention on approaching this extensive organism with sensitivity and respect.

All samples are dyed with natural pigments from plants and fungi only.

 

Photo by Lisa Lind

Mari.koppanen
Designer
Oslo | Norway
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