Caring for Curious Ecologies

In 2017 and 2018, Jiann worked with Xavier Mulet, JJ Richardson, and the CSIRO Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF) research team at Clayton to investigate how MOFs and their proposed biomedical applications might influence our understanding of what it is to be human. Metal organic framework materials are an advanced structure that is extremely ordered, porous and customisable. They grow in a crystal form and are extremely flexible, especially when combined with nanoparticles for additional functionality and attributes.

This research-led artist residency considers how Metal Organic Frameworks may soon play an integral role in being human in light of proposed biomedical applications which would see them cohabiting inside of us. The inquiry addresses these potential futures by bringing MOFs and fungi together to co-exist; fungi have been chosen as they are like miniature versions of our stomachs turned inside out (they ‘eat’ by releasing enzymes outside of their bodies) and luminescent MOFs are used to make perceptible the results of these nano-scale encounters. Speculative scenarios are produced through the cultivation of these biochemical kinships.

Cultivating and Fermenting

Members of the fungi kingdom commonly ingested by humans — yeast and edible mushrooms — were cultivated using MOFs. Using ancient practices of fermentation — acts of baking, brewing, and preserving — the manifestation of these co-constituted ecologies was revealed.

Experimenting with Lichens

While lichens are among the oldest living things, contrasting with the newness of MOF synthesis, they have much in common. Lichens are the biological equivalent of MOFs in that they are composite organisms having properties different from those of their component organisms. MOFs and lichens were brought together for this artistic experiment to see what happens and how the applications they share are affected — for example their functions as bio-indicators or carbon sinks.

These macro and micro cultures were documented using still and moving images, under black light to discern the consequences of their union. Field recordings were also gathered for use in experimental documentation.

Hughes J, Caring for Curious Ecologies, Leonardo, Vol. 54, No. 5, 2021.

The residency was organised by ANAT and supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria.