The “Living Phrase”
An Exploration of Bio-art
This is a bio-art project that presents Latin philosophical sayings through the medium of bacterial cultivation. I chose the phrase "ANIMUS MORTIS TERRORE CARENS," which translates to "a soul free of the fear of death," as the core expression of this project.
My art blends elements of life sciences, art, and philosophy, aiming to explore the essence of life, the meaning of death, and the necessity of fearlessness in confronting mortality .
The“Living Phrase”
Acrylic culture blood, nutrient base, black food coloring, bacteria 210X 225x 53mm each, four total
In the final presentation, four specially crafted petri dishes are displayed on the wall, revealing the text. The bacteria continue to grow, causing the text to transition from blurred to clear and back to blurred.
This process, driven by the organic growth patterns of the bacteria, symbolizes the continuous flow and ever-changing nature of life.
Bacterial production process
The philosophical exploration of death was ignited by Socrates' renowned statement: "No one knows whether death may not be the greatest of all blessings for a man, yet men fear it as if they knew it was the greatest of evils." In my artwork, I aimed to encompass centuries of competing theories, delving into themes such as the transience of life, the essence of death, and varying attitudes toward mortality .
By intertwining text with bacterial growth, I aim to establish a subtle connection between life and death, reflecting the constant evolution and passing of life. Furthermore, the project explores the processes of growth and decay in the natural world, revealing the intricacies of the microbial realm .
The“Living Phrase”
Acrylic culture blood, nutrient base, black food coloring, bacteria 210X 225x 53mm each, four total
The“Living Phrase”(Grow for more than a week)
Acrylic culture blood, nutrient base, black food coloring, bacteria 210X 225x 53mm each, four total 2023
