Threads of Connection 2023
The mycorrhizal network is a system of underground fungal threads, known as mycelium, which extends over vast distances within the soil and connects the roots of the various plant matter. The exploration depicts the deep connections within ecosystems, and uses the mycelial network as a metaphor for the connective and interdependent relationship between living organisms.
I aim to depict an appreciation of the interconnectedness of human and natural systems. Rather than depicting humans, the human-made, and the natural world as opposing and against each other, my objective is to portray an integrated coexistence of these realms of existence. That emphasizes nature-culture as integral components of a unified and interconnected system.
This network can be seen as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all living things, including humans and non-human entities. It is an example of how different living organisms function together in an intricate and mutually beneficial relationships and systems. The network portrays our dependence on the larger network of life and demonstrates the significance of partnership and collaboration within ecosystems.
The mycorrhizal network emphasizes the importance of interconnectedness in ecosystems and the need for constructive approaches to ecological issues that could help form an eco-friendly and empathic future. The disruption of one part of the network can have expanding effects throughout an entire system, not only within this mycelium network but within networks and systems as a whole. This emphasizes the importance of ethical and responsible interactions with nature, which could encourage empathy for, and protection of, the natural world around us. These perspectives can therefore inspire a more interconnected and collaborative society that values our place within it, by considering nature-cultures as interlinked and that humans are not separate from nature, but rather deeply rooted within it. Understanding these networks within human and society, humanmade and nature can help us move towards a future that involves the coexistence of these realms.
Networks and systems can be seen everywhere around us. In nature, they are seen in ecosystems and the cycle of life, which illustrate the complex web of relationships and interplay between different organisms and elements. These networks and systems seem to flow with an impulse of energy, sharing resources and information, and balancing and maintaining the function of ecosystems.
Humans use technology such as the internet which is a network that allows us to share information and communicate with one another. Natural organisms such as the mycorrhizal network, similarly have connections in a way to “communicate” to one another. Recognizing similarities between various kinds of networks and systems can help us realize our interconnectedness within one larger system.
The ideas of systems and interconnectedness within one larger system is what I investigate and use within my practical work. My perception of networks and systems is the interconnected lines and movements that flow seamlessly from one point to another, creating cohesive relationships. I focus on these connected relationships with the use of lines and movement drawing on not only the mycorrhizal network but portraying various other systems such as technological systems. Depicting and finding metaphors for different systems and showing the similarities between them can help the idea that humans, human-made and the natural world are part of a larger connected system.
Final works
