In the realm where art, science, and nature intersect, Slovenian artist Saša Spačal emerges as a pioneer, pushing the boundaries of artistic expression through her mesmerizing installations that incorporate living organisms. With a deep-rooted curiosity about the intricacies of life and the ecosystems that sustain it, Spačal’s work serves as a poignant reflection on humanity’s relationship with the natural world and the ethical implications of our technological advancements.

Spačal’s artistic journey delves into the microscopic realm, where she employs living organisms such as microorganisms, fungi, and plants as active participants in her creative process. Through a fusion of art and technology, she orchestrates immersive experiences that invite viewers to contemplate the interconnectedness of all living beings and the delicate balance of ecosystems.

One of Spačal’s most striking projects involves the use of biofeedback systems and sensors to monitor the behavior and responses of living organisms within her installations. In “Aurelia 1+Hz / proto viva sonification,” Spačal collaborated with artists Mirjan Švagelj and Anil Podgornik to create an ethereal environment where the movements and biochemical processes of jellyfish, specifically Aurelia aurita, are translated into sound and visual stimuli. The result is a mesmerizing symphony of light and sound that offers a glimpse into the mysterious world of these ancient marine creatures.

In another compelling work titled “Requiem for the Future,” Spačal explores the resilience of life in the face of environmental degradation. Using fungi as both medium and metaphor, she constructs an interactive installation where visitors are invited to witness the transformative power of nature as fungal mycelium slowly consumes and decomposes human-made objects. Through this poignant juxtaposition of the organic and the synthetic, Spačal prompts viewers to contemplate the cyclical nature of life and the inevitable consequences of our actions on the planet.

Central to Spačal’s practice is a profound sense of reverence for the complexity and diversity of life forms that inhabit our planet. By elevating seemingly mundane organisms to the status of artistic collaborators, she challenges conventional notions of creativity and authorship, inviting us to reconsider our place within the web of life.

However, Spačal’s work also raises important ethical questions about the manipulation and exploitation of living organisms for artistic purposes. As advancements in biotechnology continue to blur the boundaries between the natural and the artificial, artists like Spačal confront us with the moral implications of our increasingly technocentric worldview.

Ultimately, Saša Spačal’s artworks with living organisms serve as a powerful reminder of the fragility and resilience of life on Earth. Through her visionary explorations of the symbiotic relationship between art and nature, she invites us to embark on a journey of discovery and contemplation, where the boundaries between the human and the non-human dissolve, revealing the interconnectedness of all living things. In a world grappling with environmental crisis and existential uncertainty, Spačal’s work offers a beacon of hope and inspiration, reminding us of the profound beauty and complexity of the natural world that sustains us all.

1. “Aurelia 1+Hz / proto viva sonification”: In this immersive installation, Saša Spačal collaborated with Mirjan Švagelj and Anil Podgornik to create an environment where the movements and biochemical processes of jellyfish (specifically Aurelia aurita) are translated into sound and visual stimuli. The audience is invited to witness a mesmerizing symphony of light and sound, offering a unique glimpse into the mysterious world of these marine creatures.
2. “Requiem for the Future”: Using fungi as both medium and metaphor, Spačal constructs an interactive installation where visitors can observe the transformative power of nature. Fungal mycelium slowly consumes and decomposes human-made objects, prompting viewers to contemplate the cyclical nature of life and the consequences of our actions on the planet. This work serves as a poignant meditation on environmental degradation and the resilience of life.
3. “Biosensing”: In this project, Spačal explores the potential of living organisms as sensors for environmental monitoring. By harnessing the biofeedback mechanisms of microorganisms, she creates interactive installations that respond to changes in their surroundings. Through this work, Spačal highlights the sensitivity and adaptability of living systems, inviting viewers to consider new ways of coexisting with nature.
4. “Microbiome I/II/III”: Spačal’s “Microbiome” series investigates the complex ecosystems of microorganisms that inhabit our bodies and environments. Using cutting-edge technology, she visualizes the microbial communities that surround us, revealing the hidden landscapes of bacteria, fungi, and other microscopic organisms. By bringing these invisible worlds into view, Spačal challenges us to reconsider our relationship with the microbial realm and its implications for human health and ecology.
5. “TERRA-SAPIENS”: In this collaborative project, Spačal explores the interconnectedness of human and non-human life forms through a series of experimental performances and installations. By integrating living organisms such as plants, insects, and bacteria into her artworks, she creates immersive environments that blur the boundaries between the natural and the artificial. Through these interdisciplinary explorations, Spačal invites viewers to reflect on the complex web of relationships that sustain life on Earth and the ethical implications of our actions as a species.