SHAPING THE INVISIBLE – FOLDING OF DNA STRANDS AND RENDERING STRUCTURES IN NANO SCALE

CAROLIN LIEBL AND NIKOLAS SCHMID-PFÄHLER | FRAUNHOFER ENAS

In this course, participants embarked on a journey into the nanosphere. Under the guidance of Carolin Liebl and Nikolas Schmid-Pfähler and in collaboration with scientists from Fraunhofer ENAS, the participants folded DNA and created tiny structures that could be detected using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The resulting images showed the structures beyond their short lifespan. The participants’ experience with scientific processes and procedures in the laboratory served as a starting point for their artistic exploration of the resulting materials.

The participants translated their experiences with and in the nanosphere into an artistic medium of their choice. In this course, the participants combined scientific and artistic spheres with sculptural approaches, print graphics and moving image and media artworks.

METAL DATA SOLID CULTURE – INFORMATION AND ITS PROTECTION AS A MEDIUM OF ART

PAWEL JANICKI | FRAUNHOFER IWU

In this course, the participants focussed on the physical dimension of information in the digital age. Under the direction of Pawel Janicki and in collaboration with scientists from Fraunhofer IWU, they explored the role of information as a cultural asset. The focus was on the question of how data can not only be stored, but also processed artistically as material and medium.

The exploration of open licences, free resources and data-based processes formed the basis for the artistic questioning of a highly developed metal 3D printing process (LPBF). By exploring the transformation of digital information into physical objects, the participants created their own works that opened up new artistic possibilities at the interface of data flow and materiality.

INTERSPACE – CO-CREATION WITH FUNGI
NOOR STENFERT KROESE | FRAUNHOFER IWU

In this course, participants explored the possibilities of collaborative design practice with fungi. Under the direction of Noor Stenfert Kroese and in cooperation with the Fraunhofer IWU, the focus was on working with mycelium – the root-like network of fungi. The starting point was Fraunhofer IWU’s research with the aim of developing a substrate that enables 3D printing with living material.

In a careful examination of the living material, the participants worked not only with each other, but also with the mycelium as an active player in its own right. In an open, dialogue-based process, prototypes, thought models and speculative forms were created that understand the mycelium not as a mere material, but as a partner in the creative process.

The resulting works outlined approaches to a sustainable, symbiotic material culture – in close dialogue between humans and mycelium.

Pictures: © Johannes Richter