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The Beauty and the Morbid: Fungi as Source of Inspiration in Contemporary Art

Summary

This research explores how fungi are inspiring contemporary artists and fostering collaboration between science and art. Artists are using fungi in innovative ways to create sustainable materials, challenge our perceptions of nature, and address modern environmental challenges. The research highlights how fungi can be both beautiful and practical in solving real-world problems. Impacts on everyday life: • Development of new sustainable materials made from fungi that could replace plastics and other synthetic materials • Creation of environmentally-friendly burial practices using fungi • New approaches to waste management and decomposition through fungal applications • Increased public awareness and understanding of fungi’s beneficial roles in society • Promotion of sustainable and bio-based alternatives for consumer products

Background

The relationship between art and science was historically much closer, with Renaissance figures like Leonardo da Vinci combining both disciplines. However, modern specialization has created a divide between scientific and artistic pursuits. Despite this separation, fungi have emerged as fascinating subjects that bridge this gap, being both visible and invisible entities that evoke various emotions and interpretations.

Objective

To explore and document how fungi serve as inspiration for contemporary artists and examine the intersection between fungal science and art. The article aims to stimulate interdisciplinary dialogue between artists and fungal scientists by presenting examples of fungi’s inspirational power in contemporary art.

Results

The review reveals numerous examples of fungi inspiring contemporary art, from installations using giant mushrooms as symbols of decay and rebirth to innovative materials made from fungal mycelia. Artists are increasingly collaborating with scientists to explore fungi’s potential in sustainable materials, decomposition processes, and biotechnology. Projects range from fungal textile creation to burial suits infused with fungal spores.

Conclusion

Fungi prove to be ideal subjects for artists, serving as dynamic, uncontrolled entities that can be investigated and exploited for various artistic purposes. The intersection of fungal science and art is fostering innovative approaches to addressing modern societal challenges, including sustainability and new materials development. This collaboration between artists and scientists is helping catalyze public perception and acceptance of technological and scientific innovations.
  • Published in:Fungal Biology and Biotechnology,
  • Study Type:Review,
  • Source: 10.1186/s40694-016-0028-4
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