Poetically representing extensive research into the potential of cyanobacteria and microalgae, L’origine du monde is composed of a metal structure on which glass cells, filled with cyanobacteria, are growing as they were young, sprouting buds on a tree in springtime. The cyanobacteria are producing real-time photosynthesis, slowly colonizing their nutrient gel, growing into electric green veins running through the medium. As autotroph organisms, they provide their own food, obtaining their energy through oxygenic photosynthesis. They consume CO2 and they release oxygen, exactly as plants do. Cyanobacteria have been an important element for forming the earth’s oxygen atmosphere.

‘Woven by Nature’ at iMAL; installation shot of ‘L’Origine du Monde II’.
©photo by Silvia Cappellari

‘Woven by Nature’ at iMAL; installation shot of ‘L’Origine du Monde II’; details of handblown glass cells filled with cyanobacteria (Synechocystis) performing photosynthesis. photo© AnneMarieMaes

‘Woven by Nature’ at iMAL; installation shot of ‘L’Origine du Monde II’.
©photo by Silvia Cappellari