Read the full project paper on my cosmology here.
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Abstract
In my research, I envision biological colonization that exploits humans as revenge for plant subjugation in our current agricultural systems. In this world, household mold infects and controls humans. I explore creating living products— wearables out of found seaweed and typography made out of mold.
I respond to existing science fiction post-anthropocene worlds to explore disarming potentialities that comment on human-supremacist power dynamics. By augmenting communication loops between nature and humans, I question the Westernized notion of the human world and natural world as separated by the influx of modern technology.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/3a6006cc-8072-4bb8-976c-7d1f03f9ddb2/f979ec5a-914c-45ce-9327-96568bb7c47f_rw_3840.jpg?h=ceb6b2bd7659c243318cddcb93890fb5)
Materials of Defense
I decided that the citizens in my cosmology would defend themselves against the killer mold using wearables made out of natural fungicides, such as kelp. I collected kelp and blended it with cellulose and silver powder to strengthen the polymers for it to be used as a face mask/respirator. This would effectively filter air from mold spores entering the respiratory system.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/3a6006cc-8072-4bb8-976c-7d1f03f9ddb2/a87d1ff9-971d-4f6e-904c-72fff17f2d7e_rw_3840.jpg?h=f808c94dc78ee718dd38d4935627bc37)
Type Made Out of Mold
In the fictional cosmology I created, mold is vengeful against humans. It begins spreading sinister sci-fi-inspired messages to lure humans in order to infect them. The rotting food you left in your fridge for too long would start spelling out things, like "PLAY", a nudge to open up your Tupperware so the mold could come "play" with you, to infect your brain with the virus.
I created living typography reading "PLAY" out of laser cut molds and rotting food collected from my peers (rice, beans, and peaches).
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/3a6006cc-8072-4bb8-976c-7d1f03f9ddb2/93eadcc6-0254-4ee9-84c7-8128b0f497ab_rw_1920.jpg?h=f7ac86638554b9e483078015f6261d28)
Final Silicone Mask
I settled on molding silicone because it seemed dependable and durable for our short time-frame. Pictured in the background is an entire failed silicone mold stuck to my baking tray forever. In the foreground is the final prototype.
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/3a6006cc-8072-4bb8-976c-7d1f03f9ddb2/dd911029-1ab4-4421-9a08-9be431e0b7a9_rw_3840.jpg?h=b4daf07ca4cfbc26f9b4d28667fadf08)
![](https://cdn.myportfolio.com/3a6006cc-8072-4bb8-976c-7d1f03f9ddb2/bc906542-9fea-4789-9885-330ccb295708_rw_1200.jpg?h=fa313ea7025beb58eb1f39beff095d63)
I chose to make a poster as another final deliverable as well, to depict systems of capitalism still existing amongst apocalypse. I hoped this would demonstrate both authenticity and the failure of systems of capitalism to cohabitate with danger and protect the lives of their constituents.
I hope to continue to work with kelp as a textile medium, specifically within flyknit kelp shoe-making.
Mentor: Tyler Fox, PhD Human Centered Design Engineering
Summer Institute in the Arts and Humanities
Mary Gates Endowment for Students Scholarship Program
Time Frame: 1 month
Summer 2019