MICROcosmic
This immersive installation was commissioned as part of Lightwaves Festival in Salford Quays 2022 and was inspired by the research behind Microbial Puppet Masters (shown at Summer Science Exhibition at the Royal Society in London, 2022). In 2023 a new version commissioned by the Science & Industry Museum in Manchester, adapted for their main foyer for a special event alongside a speaking event with Professor Chloe James of Salford University
From the microscopic to the infinite vastness of the universe; inspired by pioneering scientific research, this immersive installation of video, sound and sculpture takes us on a sensual journey as we are surrounded by the flux of our internal and external realities. Where is the beginning and where is the end?
From a human point of view, our own mind and body are the centre of our universe. Continuous exploration of our biology is revealing more about how we function as discreet organic beings, whilst hosting multitudes of others. We are entwined in an intricate network of data to be deciphered.
Discovered just over 100 years ago, bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. They are the most abundant and diverse organisms on Earth, found in both the natural environment and the human body. Their actions underlie the fundamental biology of our planet. Phages have been in a perpetual evolutionary dance with their bacterial hosts for millions of years.
With an appearance evocative of a classic sci-fi alien, the phage, this otherworldly creature, is entering and exploring the inner universe of our bodies. New technologies enable us to discern its influence upon our delicate ecosystem. Just the word virus fills us with apprehension, as does the term alien, bringing forth countless fearful visions of the unknown. But with new research tools and deeper investigation, a more positive outlook is emerging.
What does each new insight about ourselves and the universe tell us about existence? What would it mean if finally we knew it all?
A live AV event was performed at the end of the installation run (see video opposite for one of the practice run throughs for one of the more upbeat tracks).
Phage research between the Universities of Salford and Liverpool. The universities have worked together to develop a suite of activities to engage public thinking about the impact of phages on human health. For more information visit https://scicomm.space/rs22