Cladonia and Hypogymia

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Cladonia and Hypogymia are lichens which are symbiotic organisms, a sort of collaboration between fungus ( outer layer ) and algae or cyanobacteria ( inner world ). By extracting water from the atmosphere and photosynthesis, lichens are good indicators of air pollution and change colours accordingly. The project started as mere drawings of plastic bottles, connected to each other. Plastic bottles, all of which are waste and by-product of contemporary vanity and consumer culture short-sightedness are collected and assembled together in a manner akin to the structure of lichens. The project is aimed to collaborate with designers, biologist, conservationist and urban planners, local government and environmental agencies. We will aim at repopulating the inner space with genera Cladonia and Hypogemia, thus hopefully allowing for a growth and relationship with plastic. If successful, they may create a filter and indicate levels of air pollution or perhaps even a contemporary well, from which water can be drunk.

Project is open for collaboration!