Hybrid Worlds: Nano_Biotech + Art

Net Intelligence

Spring 2010MFA DT 2011 Xian ZhangProfessor Victoria Vesna

Professor Siddharth Ramakrishnan

ABSTRACT

Net Intelligence is an interactive installation visualizing the environment sensitivity of mycelium. Mycelium is the vegetative state of fungus spreading wide underground. It stays in constant molecular communication with its environment. This project takes inspiration from the network pattern shared by the internet, human nervous system and mycelium.

CONCEPT / TOPIC

The internet, the human nervous system and fungal mycelium share the same network pattern of information sharing. Benefit from this pattern, all three systems react fast to local changes and micro-climatic conditions. Net Intelligence is a kinetic installation that experiments with connecting these three systems.

SOCIAL CONTEXT

Intelligence has long been considered the central property of humans. Recent developments in computation and nano biological studies have raised questions to this claim. What we considered as our unique quality can be simulated by a machine and be found in the behavior of microorganisms. Are we pushing ourselves into an identity crisis?

PRECEDENCE

"Hylozoic Soil" Philip Beesley

This immersive installation uses sensors, interactive geotextile and responsive membrane to evoke emotional responses from visitors. It raises questions of the boundaries between nature and artifice.

PROJECT PROPOSAL

Net Intelligence uses self lighted strips of responsive membrane, sensor and light projectors. Dimly lite membrane forms a mycelium like network pattern installed in a dark room. Center of the network is hanging in the center of the ceiling. these membrane spread out toward the edges of the ceiling. When a visitor walk into the room, these membrane reacts to the motion by moving its branches. A projector projects light through the net and the visitor's shadow can be seen with the pattern on the floor.

PROJECT SKETCH

Reference

Anker, Suzanne, 1946-. 2004. The molecular gaze : Art in the genetic age, ed. Dorothy Nelkin. Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y.: Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y. : Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press.

Cooke, R. C. (R. 1977. Fungi, man, and his environment. London ; New York : Longman. Gilder, George. Richards, J.W. 2002. Introduction: Are We Spiritual Machines? The Beginning of a Debate; Discovery Institute. Sylvie Parent, “Philip Beesley and Diane Willow: Reflexive Membranes” in The Daniel Langlois Foundation for Art, Science, and Technology (2003):http://www.fondation-langlois.org/html/e/page.php?NumPage=377

Stamets, Paul. 2005. Mycelium running: How mushrooms can help save the world; Berkeley, Calif. : Ten Speed Press.