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'''Visual solution:''' | |||
The installation will take place in a relatively big room (~25-30 m²). At the center of the room will be a pedestal which will stand about 2 meters high. On top of the pedestal is a spherical "projector", on which the ''Physarum Polycephalum'' will grow. A shadow of the growing Physarum will be cast upon the walls of the room. The room will be otherwise empty. Access to the room will be achieved via a door which will blend seamlessly with the surrounding walls. Furthermore, visitors can only enter the room one by one, in order to intensify the intimacy and intimidation between the Slime Mold and the visitor. | |||
'''Concept:''' | |||
Even though the Slime Mold is able to survive in such an incredibly unique way, I feel like we, as humans, subconsciously (or consciously) perceive this organism as a being that is ultimately inferior to us. My goal is to break this hierarchy in some way. As I was trying to explore ways of reversing the interspecific hierarchical pyramid, I am coming to the realisation that one of the reasons why humans see unicellular organisms, which are beyond a doubt the most fundamental members of the earth, inferior to themselves, is because of their size. Thus I am looking for a way for equalising and maybe reversing our sizes. | |||
'''Technical aspects:''' | |||
To ensure that the shadow casted is sharp enough a strong, linear light source will be placed inside a clear glass sphere. The sphere will be covered by a thin layer of agar medium and a couple of oat flakes stuck irregularly on the surface. A thin, tubular, golden substructure will give the projector its height and minimize potential shadows caused by visitors. The room will only be lit when a visitor enters room, in order not to disturb the Slime Mold with too much light and establish a healthy environment for its growth. | |||
<gallery mode="traditional" widths=300px heights=200px> | <gallery mode="traditional" widths=300px heights=200px> | ||
File:Microscopy of Slime Mold.jpg|Microscopy of ''Physarum Polycephalum'' | File:Microscopy of Slime Mold.jpg|Microscopy of ''Physarum Polycephalum'' | ||
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</gallery> | </gallery> | ||
I am going to try and grow the Slime Mold on my table, but I believe it can only grow to a certain size. Moreover, this won't effectively contribute to the message I am trying to convey. | I am going to try and grow the Slime Mold on my table, but I believe it can only grow to a certain size. Moreover, this won't effectively contribute to the message I am trying to convey. | ||
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Thus, I will be amplifying the Physarum's size artificially. My spherical Ikea table lamp will hopefully suffice to do this. The resulting projection will only be a shadow across the walls of my room, however I believe shadows can be more intimidating than the thing itself and intimidation is something that I believe contributes to hierarchical formations. Furthermore, with a colored LED, the result also has the potential to be aesthetically pleasing. | Thus, I will be amplifying the Physarum's size artificially. My spherical Ikea table lamp will hopefully suffice to do this. The resulting projection will only be a shadow across the walls of my room, however I believe shadows can be more intimidating than the thing itself and intimidation is something that I believe contributes to hierarchical formations. Furthermore, with a colored LED, the result also has the potential to be aesthetically pleasing. | ||
''*: https://www.britannica.com/topic/anthropocentrism'' | ''*: https://www.britannica.com/topic/anthropocentrism'' | ||