Since 2020, Ewen Chardronnet and Maya Minder have been developing the art research project Homo Photosyntheticus, which examines the role of algae and phytoplankton in the balance of the Earth system, as well as their potential role in medicine, energy, carbon sequestration, space research, food and ecological transitions. The two artists and authors draw on speculations by evolutionary biologist Lynn Margulis on how the unique characteristic of the symbiotic marine flatworm Symsagittifera roscoffensis could be applied to the human species in future space explorations, in a "becoming Homo Photosyntheticus" scenario. An animal-plant, the worm ingests but does not digest its partner micro-algae, sheltering it beneath its epidermis, which in turn supplies most of the worm's nutrients through its photosynthetic activity. This inquiry into our evolutionary future takes the form of installations, artworks, performances, workshops, texts, video interviews and documentary essays.
Maya Minder is an artist based in Zurich and Paris, working in the medium of installation, video and performance. She studied Art History at the University of Zurich and earned an MA in Fine Arts from Zurich University of the Arts (ZHdK). She is also the co-founder of the Open Science Lab at ZW Zurich. Her recent exhibitions include the Kanazawa 21st Century Museum, Kunsthaus Zurich, ISEA, Seoul Arts Center and Swissnex Osaka. Recent grants and nominations include Fungi Cosmology (2022-24) Art Explora Fellow (2021), Pro Helvetia’s Werkbeitrag (2020 & 2023).
Credits Photo by Margaux Schwab, Fungi Cosmology.
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