Recent studies linking cognition and oxygen levels show that our cognitive functions depend on interdependent exchanges with non-human organisms, suggesting the soul's migration has no clear beginning or end.
Metempsychosis, in philosophy, refers to the transmigration or reincarnation of the soul, especially after death. It wasn't until the 18th and 19th centuries that scientists understood our breath depends on oxygen produced by plants, and in the 20th century, they discovered how plants rely on mycorrhizal connections with mycelium.
Metempsychosis, in philosophy, refers to the transmigration or reincarnation of the soul, especially after death. It wasn't until the 18th and 19th centuries that scientists understood our breath depends on oxygen produced by plants, and in the 20th century, they discovered how plants rely on mycorrhizal connections with mycelium.
ABOUT THE EXHIBITION
Mycofabrication: The Future of Art and Design
(The exhibition and talk series took place in Berlin, Germany, November 1st and 2nd.)
This group show takes the ancient idea of metempsychosis aka soul migration and flips it into a fresh perspective. Using mycelium as both a symbol and a material, artists explore its layers of meaning, highlighting connections, decay, and regeneration. Mycofabrication—creating with mycelium—is the perfect example of interspecies design. It’s not about humans doing everything on their (our) own; instead, it's about collaboration with another organism, whose needs and ‘mind’ influence ours.
The show was a collective journey through interdisciplinary, interspecies art that invites viewers to rethink materiality, knowledge, and the interconnectedness of all life.
It’s about embracing transformation, regeneration, and the living, evolving power of nature.
It isn’t just something to look at; it’s part of an ongoing, collective experience that reaches beyond the human world.
Now strap in and enjoy this spore-tacular selection of a few artists exhibited at the show!
ARTIST HIGHLIGHTS
1 Matthildur Valfells
FUN FACT: A photogram is created without a camera by placing objects directly onto light-sensitive material and exposing it to light.
2 Emma Patmore and Mon Castillo
3 Frederic Zirbes
A small, homegrown reishi fruiting body inspired a shape study. Modeled with CAD and sculpted via CNC milling, the resulting sculpture was given back to the mushroom, which feeds on beech wood. This process forms a dynamic interplay where designer and mushroom mutually influence each other.
4. SIGRID SAVVA
With a leather design background, Sigrid Savva creates various accessories and bags, prioritizing functionality, modernity and human-centered design.
Artists and designers:
Augusto Calcada, Matteo Campulla, Markella Davu, Sharlene Durfey Francois, Helena Elston, Fade Out Label, Frances-co Fossati, Paulina Heidlberger, Benjamin Janzen, Jan Klappenecker, Dora Marfoldi, Victoria Martinez, Maria Kobylen-ko, Ruzica Jovanovic, Yuliia Ovcharyk, Emma Patmore, lvona PelajiO, Arezoo Ramezani, Xristina Sarli, Nicole Spit, Amy Toshizu Kanajikken, Alina Tofan, Matthildur Valfells, Alessandro Volpato, Karin Weissenbrunner, Caroline Wimmer, Fun-da Zeynep Ayguler, Frederic Zirbes
Speakers:
Dimitra Almpani-Lekka, Esther Betz and Ronja KOgow, Clara Sofia Fernandez, Thordes Herbst, Melissa lngaruca More-no, Alve Lagercrantz, Natalija Miodragovic, Eda Ozdemir, Giulio Perticari, Julian Roth, Emma Sicher, Nora Wilhelm
