FUNGI – IN ART AND SCIENCE
SQIM AT THE “FUNGI – IN ART AND SCIENCE” EXHIBITION AT THE NOBEL PRIZE MUSEUM
Nobel Prize Museum
Stortorget 2,
Old Town
30 September 2023 – 7 January 2024
Fungi, enigmatic and captivating life forms, have long held human fascination.
They defy categorization as neither plants nor animals, often remaining invisible despite their ubiquitous presence around us and within us. In recent decades, scientific discoveries have unveiled the intricate underground mycelium network of fungi, showcasing their role in connecting ecosystems and shaping our world. Nevertheless, the world of fungi remains shrouded in mysteries waiting to be unraveled.
In the exhibition “Fungi – In Art and Science,” the world of fungi will be explored through artworks, design objects, fashion, and contemporary scientific research. The cross-boundary nature of fungi, with their ability for symbiosis and transformation, has been a wellspring of inspiration for renowned artists.
Fashion, too, draws inspiration from fungi, both in terms of design and material. The exhibition will feature Balenciaga’s coat “growed” from ephea™, a revolutionary material powered by SQIM’s innovation, mycelium. This mycelium-based leather alternative showcases the immense potential of fungi in sustainable fashion. The mushroom-themed dress created for artist Björk by Daniel del Core will also be presented.
But the influence of fungi doesn’t stop at fashion. The exhibition will also feature innovative interior design materials by Mogu, including acoustic panels, wall coverings made from mycelium, and fully circular solutions. These materials represent the cutting edge of interior design, offering sustainability and aesthetics in perfect harmony.
© mogu
In popular culture, literature, and art, fungi have often symbolized a gateway to the collective unconscious and an alternative perspective on the world. In scientific research, questions about how fungi can reshape our understanding of the world take center stage. How do fungi thrive hundreds of meters below the Earth’s surface, and what does this reveal about the origin of life? Could we construct houses and fashion clothing from fungi? How might fungi challenge our notions of where individuals and species begin and end?
We welcome you to immerse yourself in the captivating world of fungi at the “Fungi – In Art and Science” exhibition at the Nobel Prize Museum. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity to explore the beauty and mysteries of fungi, as art and science converge in a unique and enlightening experience.
Exhibition Curators: Karl-Johan Cottman and Magnus af Petersens
Featured Artists in the Exhibition: Balenciaga, Daniel Del Core, Anna Dumitriu & Alex May, Seana Gavin, Joanna Hellgren, Carsten Höller, Mae-ling Lokko, Marshmallow Laser Feast, Maurizio Montalti, Iwo Myrin, Olle Norås, Jae Rhim Lee, Phil Ross & Vera Meyer, Amanda Selinder, Lisa Schönberg & Allie ES Wist, and Wim van Egmond.
Researchers Featured in Exhibition Videos: Anders Dahlberg, Mycology (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences), Henrik Drake, Geology (Linnaeus University), Hanna Johannesson, Mycology (Stockholm University/Swedish Royal Academy of Sciences), Johan Lundberg, Psychiatry (Karolinska Institutet), Anna Rosling, Mycology (Uppsala University), and Sven Olov Wallenstein, Philosophy (Södertörn University).