Hidden Environment
Most microorganisms are known to us, but can’t be easily seen. If we approach them in a respectful way, they might just reveal their hidden world to us. Interact with this aquarium and discover the wonders of Pyrocystis Fusiformis.
Concept
Hidden Environment is an analog installation which enables the interaction between humans and microorganisms called Pyrocistis Fusiformis. These organisms are found in marine waters and have the property of glowing in the dark when disturbed. Rather than creating disturbances to make them glow in unusual ways, this installation attempts to find a respectful way in which humans can approach them.
Driven by my own memories of interacting with them at the beach, I looked at nature as inspiration for the development of this artwork. The rain is an example of a healthy disturbance that occurs naturally: it disturbs the water enough to make the organisms glow, but nourish them at the same time. In a similar fashion, humans can drip water and nutrients on them and see them glowing in return.
Structure
The materials used for this installation were the following:
- 30cm x 20cm x 20cm aquarium
- Flask with appropriate medium
- 2L Water
- 71g Red Sea Salt
- 15ml f/2 medium
- Pipettes
- Black light lamp
The installation was built around a shelf on the wall. The population of algae was put inside the aquarium, with the medium flask right next to it. Inside the flask, I put a pipette, pointing the viewers to the interaction. The room needed to be dark in order for the algae to glow, so I used a black light lamp on the floor underneath the shelf in to order to signal the installation.
The users were supposed to take a few drops of the medium and drip it on top of the aquarium, so the organisms would glow. During the whole exhibition, I was next to the installation instructing the visitors on how to interact, and explaining what the project was about.
