HYBRID
Care for the camping trailer manufactured assemblage leads to the care for the lichens’ biodiverse ecosystem, both bonded into hybrid “companionships”.
Artist, Marta Ferracin, spraying water every day at the lichenised biocanvas (detail)
Rufous net-casting spider (Deinopsis subrufa) foraging across the biocanvas (detail)
Mix video showing the lichenised assembled sculpture Hybrid including its ecosystem with John W. voice recording narrating his childhood lived in nature (extract)
Bioacoustic assembled sculpture
Hybrid (2024) is a sculptural acoustic assemblage made of a manufactured woven polyester cover, symbiotic lichens, organic matter and dust.
John W. – the previous owner of the camping trailer’s lichen cover – has intimately contributed to the lichens’ care. Care for the manufactured assemblage leads to the care for the lichens’ biodiverse ecosystem, both bonded into hybrid “companionships”.
John’s narrative story is audible via outdoor speakers installed inside of the bio sculpture. John narrates his childhood, revealing memories of Australian native flora and fauna and his connection with nature by traveling with his camping trailer across remote outback areas touched by domed skies, and by interacting with magpies, butcher birds, and family pets found in the suburban area he inhabits.
Artwork details
| Artwork | Hybrid (2024) |
| Material | Mixed media, lichens and organic matter, woven polyester cover, webbing straps, scaffolding, wheels, sound voice recording, stereo speakers and mp3 micro player |
| Dimensions | 350(L) x 200(D) x 160(H)cm – outdoor foyer |
| Duration sound | 20:00 mins (loop) |
| Exhibition |
Marta Ferracin: Convergences
Incinerator Art Space, Willoughby City Council, Willoughby, AU 21 March - 14 April Artist talk 6 April Workshop 13 April |
| Links | Willoughby City Council Art Collector Willoughby Community Preschool Hybrid voice recording mp3 single track (extract) - Soundcloud |
Credits
Voice recording and field recording
John W.; Marta Ferracin; freesound
Photos and video
Corey Rankin; Christopher Verheyden; courtesy of the visitors
Provision of Incinerator Art Space
Willoughby City Council
© Marta Ferracin 2025 Website by Natalia
Installation assistant Christopher Verheyden