Installation + Workshop
2019
Condense Configuration
Condense Configuration is a project initiated under the question; How can we reduce the gap between science and the general public? and how the public can contribute to the scientific approach?
The inspiration when developing this body was deprived of an organism called Physarum Polycephalum or the 'many-headed slime'. Aiming to inform viewers and spread knowledge on the fascinating world of science, we created 3 experiments which in their own way informed the audience about the existence of this unique organism.
A part of MA Information Experience Design at the Royal College of Art
Collaborator: Melina Petsolari, Bolim Jeon, Jana Maiworm, Charlotte Fraigneau
1st Demonstration
The first demonstration entailed a participatory art piece. The participants were asked to create a piece (sculpture) using laser-cut shapes made out of wood, which was deprived of the various forms of the slime mould. The participants were given 100 pieces to choose from and place in any way they wanted.
We separated the groups into two categories, category A was individual work and B group work. The first group’s task was to build the shapes in any manner they saw fit ie.
focusing on height, width or smaller individual sculptures, the second group was advised to work collaboratively and use as many pieces as possible. The final results were extremely satisfying, group A managed to produce at least 2 individual pieces each and group B used almost all the 100 pieces they were provided. The feedback we received from the participants was also pleasant, they were intrigued by this organism, having their knowledge broadened and an enjoyable experience. Through this demonstration, we induced curiosity and informed the participants of the many possibilities for approaching science and creating a unique body of work. Finally, group b did a finer job, once again
it is proven that collaborative work produces a great outcome, the participants created almost a meter-long artwork, which revealed excellent communication between one another and also the eager for greater success which is what usually drives one in a team setting.
We separated the groups into two categories, category A was individual work and B group work. The first group’s task was to build the shapes in any manner they saw fit ie.
focusing on height, width or smaller individual sculptures, the second group was advised to work collaboratively and use as many pieces as possible. The final results were extremely satisfying, group A managed to produce at least 2 individual pieces each and group B used almost all the 100 pieces they were provided. The feedback we received from the participants was also pleasant, they were intrigued by this organism, having their knowledge broadened and an enjoyable experience. Through this demonstration, we induced curiosity and informed the participants of the many possibilities for approaching science and creating a unique body of work. Finally, group b did a finer job, once again
it is proven that collaborative work produces a great outcome, the participants created almost a meter-long artwork, which revealed excellent communication between one another and also the eager for greater success which is what usually drives one in a team setting.
2nd Demonstration
The second demonstration took the form of a workshop with children. The children were first informed about the slime mould which led to many conversations about being intelligent without a brain and what is network, amongst other topics. The children had a chance to look at the slime mould (grown by us) before they were given sheets of paper on which they could create a network between the slime mould and the pieces of oat however they wanted. The drawings could then be assembled together to form a large slime mould network.
The workshop took place over a period of 1h30 during which the children really enjoyed engaging with science.
The workshop took place over a period of 1h30 during which the children really enjoyed engaging with science.
Final Demonstration
The final demonstration was the creation of a large-scale, organic sculpture. The final piece was created by us and it can be found in a gallery, a square or any other public display in order to induce interest and discussion. For Condense Configuration we used all the pieces we created and carefully placed them in order to produce a still structure. What we wanted to indicate above all was the notion of growth and the many possible manifestations of creating a network, similar to the slime mould which begins to grow rapidly and expands by creating new forms and systems. Moreover, we achieved an interesting antithesis, 2D imagery evolved into 3D. Taking into account Dr. Jones lecture we established a different way of displaying a flat image in a 3D form. Finally, lights were utilized for the final display of the artwork. They assisted in enhancing the features and the negative space created by the sculpture Condense
configuration.
configuration.