Yimei(Emair) Zhu
Confrontation Round 1
- 2022
​- Animation
This animation is the result of a unique bio-art creation that didn't go as planned. The original intention was to cultivate slime mold and Enoki in a chessboard to explore how these two biological materials compete and coexist. However, the experiment was compromised due to contamination by Rhizopus stolonifer, Aspergillus niger, and Trichoderma.
Despite the unexpected challenges, I turned to animation as a means of documenting this process and awakening my respect for nature. The animation highlights the trials and tribulations of the experiment, from the cultivation of the slime mold and Enoki to the contamination and ultimate failure of the project. Through this work, I hope to inspire others to appreciate the complexities of nature and the importance of responsible experimentation.
Rhizopus stolonifer is commonly known as white bread mold. The worldwide distributed species. It is found on all types of mouldy materials. It can exist in the soil as well as in the air.