SEEN AND UNSEEN
Shifting the unseen world of lichens into a macroscopic view as playing with the delicate interplay of the human and non-human dimensions of micro-habitats to encourage a mutually beneficial approach to co-existence.
Fruticose lichen sp., electron microscopy magnification x 40 and a field of view diameter 500 microns (0.56 mm), (detail)
Lichen apothecia (fungal partner small cup producing spores), electron microscopy magnification x 40 and a field of view diameter 500 microns (0.56 mm), (detail)
Lichen sp., electron microscopy magnification x 40 and a field of view diameter 400 microns (0.4 mm), (detail)
Foliose lichen sp., electron microscopy magnification x 40 and a field of view diameter 500 microns (0.56 mm), (detail)
Lichen electron microscopy prints
The limits of human perception are overcome by shifting the unseen world of lichens into a macroscopic view. These ancient, resilient lifeforms are symbiotic in nature and serve a critical role in maintaining the integrity of our broader ecosystem.
Ferracin allows audiences an insight into the delicate interplay of the human and non-human dimensions of micro-habitats, encouraging a mutually beneficial approach to co-existence that echoes the evolutionary principle of symbiosis.
The overall Seen and Unseen composition is made up of a series of prints surrounding a centralised lightbox.
The intensity of the light in the light box varies depending on the ambient light entering the gallery, shining brighter when it is dark and dimmer when it is light. This variation effect simulates the lichen photosynthesis process.
The artist uses electron microscopy scanning technology as a contemporary medium to emphasise lichen morphology made by the symbiotic components – photobiont algae and mycobiont fungi. The algae generate food by activating photosynthesis for the fungi that, in exchange, provide shelter.
Artwork details
| Artwork | Seen and Unseen (2024) |
| Material | Mixed media, backlit light box printed on FABlume fabric, digital prints on Hahnemühle Photo Rag paper |
| Dimensions | 300(L) x 6(W) x 150(L) cm 28(L) x 6(W) 21(H) cm (light box) (small - medium - large sized prints reference) |
Price | POA |
| 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 |
Credits
Electron microscopy facilitators
Naveena Gokoolparsadh and Vijay Bhatia (SMM, The University of Sydney)
Photos
Corey Rankin; Christopher Verheyden; courtesy of the visitor
Research support project
Creative Australia
Provision of Incinerator Art Space
Willoughby City Council
© Marta Ferracin 2025 Website by Natalia
Installation assistant Christopher Verheyden