Urban Microbescape
Funda Zeynep Ayguler explores the intersection of visual, sonic and linguistic exposition by means of media installations, animations, films, and algorithms. She has background studies in Architecture, graduated from Anadolu University with a degree in Animation. She has studied in master's programs in Media Art and Design at Bauhaus University Weimar and in the Interface Cultures department at the University of Arts and Design Linz.
The project involves collecting samples from land, water, and mud into large rectangular prism display cases and observing the microorganisms to a point where they become visible to humans without the aid of a microscope. The samples are collected through community-engaged events, with contributions from locals in the region, either in the form of a workshop or a community art project where everyone can participate in creating the final product.
The billboards in the city squares will be repurposed into habitats that provide visual representations of microorganisms with colorful striated bands. These columns serve as simple yet powerful tools, offering a model ecosystem for studying microbial ecology, biodiversity, and biogeochemical cycling in the region. The primary objective of the project is to explore and contextualize our interactions with the natural world in urban environments while pioneering innovative approaches for harmonious coexistence with various species. By repurposing billboards as habitats for Winogradsky cultures, the project reconsiders the potential of public spaces for scientific exploration and ecological awareness.
The containers are crafted from durable materials such as glass and metal frames, allowing them to withstand outdoor conditions for extended periods. The outdoor installation is ideally suited for long-term use. Microbial habitats are in a constant state of flux, which means the visual aspect of the project will continually evolve and change over time.
(No pollutant material will be used for the production. The container will always remain closed, but even if there is a leak, the bacteria living within are non-pathogenic. They pose no harm to humans, as they do not produce toxins, thereby preventing illness or infection.)