Soft Earth
Work in progress
Soft Earth is a project that explores the connection between science, the environment and art that was inspired by an ongoing commitment to alternative and sustainable photographic processes. Conceived during the COVID lockdown, the project began as a way to give a new life to my old photographs - allowing them to change and evolve beyond the static experience of seeing them only on paper or screen.
Soft Earth does not attempt to replace traditional photography but instead serves as an exploration of sustainability in art. While the original aim of the project did not involve mold, it has since been embraced as part of the process. The yeast-based images are eventually consumed by mold and reintegrated into nature, inviting reflection on the impermanence of the work. The project also encourages a detachment from possessing an image - something I continue to struggle with. While I enjoy watching my images evolve, a part of me still finds it difficult to see it go away.
The technique was originally shared by Bioart Club pavillon_35 (Vienna, Austria) during a workshop organised by the Finnish Bioart Society and has since been developed further by Johanna Rotko.
Click on the images to read the descriptions underneath to find out more.
