Meliniomyces bicolor, Cenococcum geophilum, Pleurotus ostreatus, Navajo churro wool, lightbox

26” x 15.5”

This weaving is inoculated with melanized fungi - two species that produce the pigment of melanin in their mycelium thereby growing brown or black threads of mycelium. Species of melanized fungi are highly specialized yet often ubiquitous within our environment. Some species of melanized fungi are radiotrophic, meaning they are able to chemically synthesize radiation (gamma and beta) in their bodies and transform it into energy. Other species, like the ones grown on this weaving are essential in our environment as they are some of the leading carbon storage organisms living in the soil. Due to their production of melanin, their mycelium decay at a much slower rate. Therefore when they die they hold the carbon stored in their bodies for long periods of time.

The (once) white weaving was supplemented with Potato Dextrose Agar and Potassium Chloride to feed the melanized fungi. The melanized fungi grow slowly over the weaving.

This project was supported by and made in collaboration with Dr. Katilyn V. Beidler - who generously donated cultures of melanized fungi, as well as assisted with the application of the fungi onto the woven structure.