RELICS

Exhibiting on a pedestal the fungi thread-like mycelium to empower nature and spread environmental awareness toward organic hidden treasures which its ecological role and beauty are to admire and protect.

Visitors curious to know more about the fungi mycelium displayed on a pedestal (detail)

Zooming onto the fungi mycelium growing on the back of eucalyptus barks and leaves (detail)

Video showing the artist, Marta Ferracin, extracting leaves and barks covered by mycelium while unearthing the biocanvas (extract)

Bioart

Flux_Relics (2024) highlights the network of vegetative root system of fungi found within the moisture in the back of the leaves and eucalyptus barks and covering the four polyester fabrics left behind in the bush over two years period.

These thread-like white structures, called hyphae, are very precious to the microsystem for nutrient absorption, decomposition of organic matter and formation of fungal colonies.

While extracting the four biocanvas from the superficial surface, Ferracin is making sure to have minimum impact to not disrupt what she has found, like an archaeologist, by turning the leaves with care and highlighting the fungi nearby.

By exhibiting some of this fungi mycelium remains on a pedestal, Ferracin is aiming to empower nature and direct the visitors’ attention towards these hidden and yet crucial environmental organic treasures, like fragile relics to admire in awe and protect.

Artwork details

Artwork	Flux_Relics (2024)
Material	Fungi mycelium, eucalyptus leaves and barks, metallic pedestal
Dimensions	20(L) x 20(W) x 90(H) cm
Exhibition	Hope is the thing with Feathers Chrissie Cotter Gallery, Inner West Council, Camperdown, NSW 31 October - 10 November 2024
Links	Inner West Council

Credits

Photos
Christopher Verheyden; courtesy of the visitors

Provision of Chrissie Cotter Gallery
Inner West Council

Installation assistant Christopher Verheyden