Translation Tapes
2022Video
Fungi communicate with thousands of species through complex networks above and within the soil. Are we one of the species they’re trying to speak with? If so, what are they trying to tell us?
In this video we imagine a world where Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) mycelium have examined, processed, and transmitted their message by growing antennae through the recording on a lost cassette tape. Reishi are known to be decomposers, recycling nutrients from dead organisms for others to use. In the decomposition process of this obsolete artifact of human technology, we explore the idea of the fungi being able to access and process the information embedded in the iron oxide coated tape wrapped around the spools.
This brings us to the question: how are fungi responding to what we’re leaving behind? What kind of legacy do we want to leave?
In this video we imagine a world where Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) mycelium have examined, processed, and transmitted their message by growing antennae through the recording on a lost cassette tape. Reishi are known to be decomposers, recycling nutrients from dead organisms for others to use. In the decomposition process of this obsolete artifact of human technology, we explore the idea of the fungi being able to access and process the information embedded in the iron oxide coated tape wrapped around the spools.
This brings us to the question: how are fungi responding to what we’re leaving behind? What kind of legacy do we want to leave?
Produced by
Jerome Tavé
Kyle Lawson
ALLSMILES
(10th Floor Studio)
Jerome Tavé
Kyle Lawson
ALLSMILES
(10th Floor Studio)
Read by
Michelle Favin
Alysha English
Michelle Favin
Alysha English
Environment
These oak trees in the Presidio were documented using 3D photogrammetry with 926 images, and includes live audio from the time of capture.
Sculptures
The sculpture featured in the video emerged during the exploration phase for the Energy Emergency Repair Kit (E.E.R.K.). This first series consists of two pieces featuring Reishi (Ganoderma Lucidum) fruiting bodies growing through cassette tapes.See more of the sculptures here.