The scientific research on fungi is getting traction, and new, breathtaking discoveries are occurring frequently. Ones that often bring even more questions than answers. Some findings are so extreme that they shift our understanding of consciousness and humble us with the notion that we may not be the only sentient beings on planet Earth.

The alluring secrecy of the world of fungi got me interested in researching this topic myself, so I applied for the FUNKEN Academy program. The course INTERSPACE: co-creation with fungi was led by Noor Stenfert Kroese, who dedicates her life to researching fungi in the context of both art and science. We worked at the Ars Electronica BioLab and Fraunhofer Institute IWU, where we participated in the development of a new technology using mycelium as a 3D printing material.

My immediate thought was to divide the substrate and place various obstacles in the boxes to observe the mycelium’s behavior. I was swept away by the result! The secluded colonies reached out in search of one another within the box. They started to form networks, which strengthened over time and created enforced connective "bridges." In another box, I laid some chestnuts on the substrate and watched a thin white film slowly covering each of them. Others developed layered structures reminiscent of the terrain of an alien planet.

Studying these changes and witnessing the formation of such spectacular patterns showed me how much more is there to be learned about mycelium, both as an organism and a collaborative ally in creating art.

During my time spent under Noor’s supervision, I learned how intriguing it is to work with living matter, one that requires great effort to provide an optimal environment for it to grow healthy. We prepared a moldable mycelium substrate that can be used to create shapes and sculptures. It needs to be stored in sterile boxes equipped with air filters to prevent mold growth and kept at temperatures appropriate for individual strains, in this case Ganoderma lucidum, commonly known as reishi.

Mycelium