Skin studies (2017) is a series of works investigating the material poetics of microbial cellulose, a natural polymer produced by a variety of microorganisms. I have investigated this material over the years in various contexts: I have tested how different kinds of cultures can lead to different results, compared DIY and scientific protocols, and taught how to grow it in dedicated workshops. Microbial cellulose is a key material in my project Semina Aeternitatis, which features the storage of a collection of strangers’ memories on synthetic DNA. The featureless mask I wear I Eingeweide is made of microbial cellulose, as a counterpoint to the robotic prostheses worn by Marco Donnarumma.

Morphology
Microbial biofilm mounted on long-fiber rice paper, metal pins
48 x 21 cm

Credits
Photography: William Veder