File:2024 Lichenlounge in Havraníky-CZ.pdf

At the end of 2023 Dr. Jan Vondrák („Honza") asked me if I would make an artistic contribution to the meeting of bryologists and lichenologists in Havraníky. Since as an artist I deal with contemporary images of nature, I like to talk about them with Honza and as a lover of lichens I appreciate his work very much, I agreed. As a lecturer at the Bauhaus University, I also like to point out the beauty of lichens and their important role for climate and biodiversity, noting that the cryptogamic flora covers about 30 percent substantial parts of the world's land surface. However, lichens escape the attention of most people because of their tiny appearance. They thrive as unpopular settlers on building and settlement sites, and often we see efforts to eliminate them. In doing so, diverse lichen growths on exposed concrete, limestone rocks, fruit trees, gooseberry bushes, old glass containers and road signs contribute to improving the climate balance, as terrestrial flora of lower plants (which includes Lichen) alone sequester 14 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide and 50 million tonnes of nitrogen globally.

Moreover, I am fascinated by their biomorphic geometry, their patterns of expansion and growth. The cooperative and fusing way of life of dual creatures is an instructive example that not only competitive and parasitic strategies, but also mutualism can lead to successful survival in a changing environment. Lichens are often so specialized that they can colonize territories that are uninhabitable for other creatures. Out of this enthusiasm, I am looking for ideas to make lichens more visible and to pass on my enthusiasm to others. In my search for suitable attributes, I found cooperativeness, protection, hospitality and patience, among others.