BIO-MOON Lab

Video

Description

Bio-Moon Lab is an innovative interdisciplinary project that fuses art, sustainability, and scientific inquiry through the exploration of bioluminescence. By cultivating Vibrio Fischeri bacteria in petri dishes and liquid solutions, the project aims to develop “Bio-light” as a sustainable alternative to conventional artificial lighting in contemporary art.

The visual outcomes of the project mirror the phases of the moon, invoking natural rhythms of life and light. This thematic exploration culminates in three distinct artworks: digital images, immersive light installations, and a unique bio-light machine designed to produce bioluminescent light in real time. The centerpiece, titled Bio-Moon, is a digital Giclée print that visually reflects lunar phases and incorporates petri dishes shaped like butterfly wings, symbolizing metamorphosis and the interconnectedness of biological systems.

This installation invites public engagement, allowing viewers to witness the ethereal emergence of Bio-light firsthand. By reconceptualising light as a living, organic medium, Bio-Moon Lab fosters critical dialogue on the intersection of art and sustainability, illuminating new pathways for creative expression grounded in ecological consciousness. Through this innovative approach, the project inspires a deeper appreciation for the potential of biological systems in artistic practice.

Story

Bio-Moon Lab explores the potential of bioluminescent organisms to address sustainability in contemporary art through an innovative “living light” concept. The marine bacterium Vibrio Fischeri, known for its ability to emit light via quorum sensing, is at the project’s core. Unlike artificial lights, which are energy-intensive and harmful to the environment, Vibrio Fischeri offers an organic, renewable alternative. By cultivating and studying this bioluminescent bacterium, I aimed to create a sustainable light source that bridges art and ecological science.
Current lighting infrastructure relies heavily on non-renewable energy sources, contributing to carbon emissions and global warming. By investigating the natural luminescence of Vibrio Fischeri, Bio-Moon Lab advocates for a new model of energy use in art, encouraging the use of biological light instead of traditional options. This bacteria-driven light source has the potential to inspire other creators to adopt sustainable alternatives in their practices.
Through meticulous experimentation at the Grow Lab at Central Saint Martins, I designed a system that produces “Bio-Light” powered by living organisms. This allows audiences to interact directly with the light-emitting bacteria and deepen their understanding of bio-light energy. This engagement reveals the beauty of natural luminescence while educating the public on sustainable practices. Viewers gain insights into how bioluminescent organisms like Vibrio Fischeri can contribute to sustainable lighting solutions across various fields, from art installations to green architecture.The project has been well received, sparking public interest in sustainability and the potential of biological systems as eco-friendly resources. Bio-Moon Lab aspires to contribute to a shift toward environmentally responsible art practices, demonstrating that scientific research and artistic expression can merge to address pressing ecological concerns.

Link

• https://www.laurabenetton.co.uk/biomoonlab

Images

Judge’s Comments

Kalaya Kovidvisith

Co-founder FabCafe Bangkok

Bio Awakening Prize

Bio-Moon Lab sparks a visionary revolution, redefining the way we illuminate our world by replacing electricity with the ethereal glow of bioluminescence. This groundbreaking innovation challenges the boundaries of conventional energy systems, creating a harmonious bridge between cutting-edge science and the natural world. By harnessing the power of biological systems, Bio-Moon Lab envisions a sustainable bio era where light is not just functional but an art form in itself. Its ability to transform lighting into an eco-conscious, visually stunning solution inspires a future where design, technology, and nature coexist beautifully, making it a beacon of possibility in sustainable innovation.