Mushhouse
8.5m x 4.5m x 8.5m
Found materials, local hardwood logs & mycelium spawn
8.5m x 4.5m x 8.5m
Found materials, local hardwood logs & mycelium spawn
Mushhouse explores available materials as well as the local landscape through the production of a semi-permanent piece of land art and post-Anthropocene architecture. The structure is built for the purpose of encouraging the growth of edible mycelium (shitake mushrooms; lion’s mane mushrooms; pearl, king and golden oyster mushrooms) to attach to and thrive upon the architectural installation. Working similarly to urban architecture constructed for human use, the one designed and constructed during the Prairie Ronde residency attempts to maximize the size of the mycelium colony within a minimal footprint while also creating a space that can also be used for social events such as meals, workshops, parties, et cetera.
The work needs time in order for the mycelium spores fully inoculate the installation’s hardwood and begin fruiting. As such, it changes and develops over time. The installation is a collaborative effort between human and non-human beings. As the mycelium colony gradually envelops, builds upon and develops the structure beyond the framework initiated by the artist/architect, it becomes a nursery, factory and eventual ruin. Thus Mushhouse exists as a hybridized space, part environment and part architecture, establishing a symbiotic relationship between nature and culture.
Both the physical and theoretical methodologies of Mushhouse function as modes of artistic research, searching for ways in which natural entities and human interventions can work together in order to create symbiotic relationships. This project focuses in on mycelium because of its inherent structural properties as well as the ways in which it can be seen to mirror human urbanization - but also suggest that the potential for collaborating with other non-human beings for future projects and as a way of functioning in a post-Anthropocene society.
Both the physical and theoretical methodologies of Mushhouse function as modes of artistic research, searching for ways in which natural entities and human interventions can work together in order to create symbiotic relationships. This project focuses in on mycelium because of its inherent structural properties as well as the ways in which it can be seen to mirror human urbanization - but also suggest that the potential for collaborating with other non-human beings for future projects and as a way of functioning in a post-Anthropocene society.
Mushhouse was constructed while artist in residence at the Prairie Ronde Artist Residency
during half of November and half of December of 2020 in Vicksburg, Michigan, USA.
during half of November and half of December of 2020 in Vicksburg, Michigan, USA.
