Mycela

Concept

With the aim of fusing biology and art, Mycela and the artist Nikolai Kaasa made collaborative art pieces with the use of mycelium canvases and biodegradable paint. The result was three pieces that were showcased for the opening of the Mycela mycelium studio in Oslo.

[Fig.1] Composting

Inspired by tribal art and contour lines symbolising the earth and the magical mystery of existence.

[Fig.2] End of life

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CONCEPT

Nikolai’s artwork is inspired by the symbiotic relationship human beings have with the earth or the lack thereof: “We are a part of it, and it is a part of us. By separating ourselves from the natural world we lose touch with a fundamental aspect of ourselves. I see it as important for our physical and psychological well-being that we recognise that we are nature itself, and that everything is interconnected.”

The mycelium canvases are painted with biodegradable paint with pigments from coal, inherited chalk from his grandfather, and yellow ochre found on a mountain near Volda in Norway. The two square pieces are inspired by macro images of mycelial growth. The larger, circular piece is inspired by tribal art and contour lines symbolising the earth and the magical mystery of existence.

There was a crack in the canvas which has been repaired, inspired by Kintsugi – The old Japanese tradition of mending broken ceramics with gold. The symbolism is as relevant today as it was centuries ago, reminding us that ‘the broken can be fixed‘ and to embrace our imperfections.

[Fig.3] Circularity

The art was exhibited among other items for the opening of the Mycela studio in May 2022.

Experimenting with natural paint and pigments was something Mycela had wanted to test for a while. Nikolai already had experience making paints from natural resources and shares a lot of the same values and eagerness to explore new ways of expression. We were not sure how the mycelium canvas would react to the paint and if it would stick to the surface. Seeing that it was possible and being able to create a totally new expression, fusing new biotechnology with ancient painting techniques was a valuable discovery. The result was also

Mycelium & Sculpture

With the aim of fusing biology and art, Mycela and the artist Nikolai Kaasa made collaborative art pieces with the use of mycelium canvases and biodegradable paint. The result was three pieces that were showcased for the opening of the Mycela mycelium studio in Oslo.