PARLIAMENT, 2009
glass, myxomycete (Physarum ssp.), display case, 170 x 85 x 75 cm
biotechnological realisation: Thomas Seppi, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, Medical University of Innsbruck
The glass sculpture PARLIAMENT serves as a bioreactor in which myxomycetes grow. In contrast to conventional fungi and other biological organisms, myxomycetes, also known as slime moulds, form plasmodia, or giant cells, which can extend over several square metres, depending on the species. The glass vessel conisists of a central chamber that is connected to six round-bottom flasks by six coiled tubes. The flasks hold various cultures of the slime mould species Physarum, which migrate through the pipes in search of nourishment, finally to arrive at a food depot in the upper chamber. The six cells meet in the parliamentary chamber and face the choice of forming a coalition or remaining in opposition.
glass, myxomycete (Physarum ssp.), display case, 170 x 85 x 75 cm
biotechnological realisation: Thomas Seppi, Department of Radiotherapy and Radiooncology, Medical University of Innsbruck
The glass sculpture PARLIAMENT serves as a bioreactor in which myxomycetes grow. In contrast to conventional fungi and other biological organisms, myxomycetes, also known as slime moulds, form plasmodia, or giant cells, which can extend over several square metres, depending on the species. The glass vessel conisists of a central chamber that is connected to six round-bottom flasks by six coiled tubes. The flasks hold various cultures of the slime mould species Physarum, which migrate through the pipes in search of nourishment, finally to arrive at a food depot in the upper chamber. The six cells meet in the parliamentary chamber and face the choice of forming a coalition or remaining in opposition.