Microbial Mindscapes is an interactive audiovisual installation and performance exploring the impact of the human gut microbiota on emotions. Inspired by the artist’s struggles with panic disorder and depression, this project merges biophysics, gastroenterology, microbiome research, microbiology, pharmacology, and AI.
Using scientific discoveries on molecular interactions and microscopic techniques, it links gut microbiota with mental health and cognitive functions, highlighting the influence of lifestyle on well-being. The project explores philosophical and scientific correlations between humans and microbes, prompting a reevaluation of consciousness and self-identity.
Through an immersive visual and auditory experience, the project encourages reflection on the interplay between art, science and human emotion. It broadens understanding of mental and physical health, emphasizing gut microbiota’s role in shaping our emotional and cognitive states and advocating for a holistic approach to health.
Project Leader: Yoojin Oh / Artist: Sabina Hyoju Ahn / Sound: Ryan Millett / Visual & Space Architects: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis / Scientists: Christina Watschinger, Tobias Ruff, Rong Zhu, Peter Hinterdorfer
We acknowledge support from LIT-ARS-2024-003, the FWF projects I5791, P35166, the FWF Cluster of excellence “Microbiomes Drive Planetary Health”, and the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria.
Still Image exports of the 6 different organoid models from different perspectives:
Photo Credit: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis, Christina Watschinger
Photo Credit: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis, Christina Watschinger
Photo Credit: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis, Christina Watschinger
Photo Credit: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis, Christina Watschinger
Photo Credit: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis, Christina Watschinger
Photo Credit: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis, Christina Watschinger
Photo Credit: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis, Christina Watschinger
Photo Credit: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis, Christina Watschinger
Photo Credit: Nefeli Manoudaki, Iason Paterakis, Christina Watschinger
EXHIBITIONS:
ARS ELECTRONICA 2024, Linz Institute of Technology, Linz, Austria
Santa Barbara Center for Arts Sciences and Technology, Santa Barbara, California, 2024