Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
Could you tell me a little about yourself and your background?
I am an Anglo-Colombian artist based in London, and have exhibited my work in Princeton, Doha, Paris and London. I have a background in 3Dimensional design, and recently achieved an MA in Art and Science with distinction at Central Saint Martins.
Could you tell me about your work and how it has progressed throughout the programme?
As an artist working in a time of increasing complexity, I use my practice to understand the science that underpins life. My work is informed by scientific phenomena such as symbiosis, decomposition and cell evolution (Image 1). Through the use of a wide range of media, I explore scale, interconnectivity, and ways in which the human world is a meeting point between microscopic and global scales (Image 2 & 3).
Image 1- Invisible Symbionts (2018)
My interest and knowledge about symbiosis is rooted in the work of biologist and cell evolutionary theorist, Lynne Margulis. This piece is also inspired by the work of mycologist, Lynne Boddy. Invisible Symbionts (2018), marks the beginning of my research into the fungal kingdom and the mutualistic relationships between mycorrhizal fungi and trees.
Image 2- part of Energy series
My interest in interconnectivity stems back to a series of drawings I made in 2005 exploring the way that energy manifest itself in similar ways at all scales. The experience of making this series triggered my interest in the subjects that I have been exploring during this course such as scale, networks, and systems.
Image 3- Animalculo hominum series
I am interested in the way that things can be miniscule and yet massive at the same time; or massive and yet miniscule. In this series, I explore human scale and imagine it through a different lens. Here I think about the fragility and insignificance of human life in the spectrum of the earth’s history.
How has your work progressed throughout the programme?
One of the most important milestones of my journey at CSM, has been understanding that the methods I use to learn about scientific phenomena are in themselves a valuable expression of my artistic practice. This clarity led to the conceptualization behind my final degree project, Running With Mycelium 2020: an installation where my observations investigations, and reflections can be layered and edited indefinitely (Image 4).
Image 4- Running With Mycelium 2020
How is the course structured?
The course is divided into three units. Through lectures and projects, Unit 1 explores relationships between art and science. Unit 2 and 3 are focused on developing our interdisciplinary practices through academic and material research. This culminates in a research paper, experimental work, collaborations and our final degree project.
Tell us about the graduate show you are planning and the challenges you face under the current circumstances.
My graduate project, Running With Mycelium 2020, is a journey of enquiry into the extraordinary Kingdom of Fungi and the crucial role that mushroom mycelial networks play in our ecological systems (Image 5).
Image 5- Running With Mycelium 2020
The project is a platform for investigation, where observing live mycelium happens alongside artistic and academic exploration of fungal life. Included in this project is Carbon Souls II which forms part of a series of works that employs miniscule plastic human figurines (with blackened soles) to refer to the Anthropocene. These tiny people are a device I frequently use in my work to question our human sense of scale and planetary dominion (Image 6).
In terms of challenges due to the pandemic; timing the growth process of the mycelium is an important part of exhibiting the work. The uncertainty of an definitive exhibition date makes it impossible to know when to initiate the growth boxes which are a pivotal part of my installation.
Image 6- Carbon Souls II
Within the mycelium growth boxes, the place that humanity occupies on this earth is questioned through the inclusion of minuscule plastic human figurines. For example in Carbon Souls II, where the tiny humans with blackened soles are being overgrown by Oyster mushroom mycelium.
When and how will we be able to see the show?
Our MA Art and Science 2020 degree show will be hosted on the UAL Graduate Showcase for final year students from July 28 – 7th August 2020. The show opens at 6.30 BST
Location - graduateshowcase.arts.ac.uk
Also, we will be having a symposium during which I will be screening the process video I made of Mycelium Running2020: Phases I & II.
Symposium booking: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/ma-art-and-science-2020- symposium-registration-112662253834
The course webpage for MAAS 2020 includes a downloadable catalogue https://artsciencecsm.com/degree-shows/maas-2020/
Do you have plans for the future once you finish the MA course?
On an immediate basis, I plan to complete Phases III-V of Running with Mycelium 2020 in preparation for our physical degree show in November (tbc). One of the by-products of that journey will be a series of ink drawings and prints which I will be to weaving into a collaborative book project with mycologist Prof Lynne Boddy.
In my pursuit of observing and documenting living mycelium, I will attempt to capture its growth process using time lapse photography. I am also interested in pursuing alternative ways to understand mycelial life; The coupling of Merlin Shledrake’s and Michael Prime’s sonic representations of mycelial life force with my process videos is an avenue that I would like to explore further. This might even extend to include dance and movement.
Additionally, I have been asked by The British Mycological Society to be on the judging panel of their art competition taking place on UK Fungus Day, as well as to consider to show Running With Mycelium 2020 during their online event.
What is the best way for us to follow your work?
Website - https://marianaheilmann.com
Instagram - @marianaheilmann
Links to some of my work:
Process video - Running With Mycelium 2020:Phase I&II
Video - Carbon Souls I (short version)
A Picture of Health website - https://apictureofhealthco.wixsite.com/about/antimicrobial-resistance
