ALLOVER
design project, 2019
Whether we like it or not, we live in close connection or even symbiosis with them: microbes, single-cell microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, fungi. They are the oldest living things and make up to 70% of all natural biomass. Thanks to their high adaptability, they can live in habitats that are unthinkable for us. At the same time, more of them populate our body than it actually has cells (the microbiome, which almost forms a second, independent “organism”). Nevertheless, they remain invisible and in a certain way also intangible, both for our imagination and - given their omnipresence, unmanageability and the complexity of their interaction - for science.
Allover approaches the topic in two ways, which are deliberately completely opposite. On one hand, by bringing the microorganisms into (supposed) visibility. On the other hand, by working directly with them and addressing possible forms of beneficial coexistence.
The first series is dedicated to the transfer of the world of bacteria to an aesthetic textile level. It falls back on known basic forms in which these actually occur. They are dyed in the style of colorful science graphics and arouse a mixture of fascination and shudder in their chaotic swarm. The invisible becomes visible, but at the same time becomes a field of imagination and projection.
> Allover textile collection
The second series focuses on including the microorganisms directly in the creative work with the textile. Consequently, the possible beneficial effects of cooperating with them comes to the fore. Microorganisms naturally live in a “peaceful coexistence” by themselves, but this can also get out of balance. The so-called “effective microorganisms” can reverse these processes and transform a living space dominated by “degenerative microorganisms” into a “regenerative one”.
> Allover Effective Microorganisms
Allover approaches the topic in two ways, which are deliberately completely opposite. On one hand, by bringing the microorganisms into (supposed) visibility. On the other hand, by working directly with them and addressing possible forms of beneficial coexistence.
The first series is dedicated to the transfer of the world of bacteria to an aesthetic textile level. It falls back on known basic forms in which these actually occur. They are dyed in the style of colorful science graphics and arouse a mixture of fascination and shudder in their chaotic swarm. The invisible becomes visible, but at the same time becomes a field of imagination and projection.
> Allover textile collection
The second series focuses on including the microorganisms directly in the creative work with the textile. Consequently, the possible beneficial effects of cooperating with them comes to the fore. Microorganisms naturally live in a “peaceful coexistence” by themselves, but this can also get out of balance. The so-called “effective microorganisms” can reverse these processes and transform a living space dominated by “degenerative microorganisms” into a “regenerative one”.
> Allover Effective Microorganisms
Clara Santos Thomas, 2019
This project was developed within the context of the project
„Βιος λόγος – Mapping the Nature“
Prof. Zane Berzina
Support: Christian Frank Müller
Wintersemester 2018/2019
BA Textile and Surface Design
weißensee kunsthochschule berlin