Advances in space technology rest on the premises informing our understanding of both interstellar space and life on Earth. Inspired by the latest efforts in astrobiology and by the prototypes for terraforming the planets envisaged for future human settlement, the artist developed a machine for automated Martian regolith enrichment. Soybean (Glycine max) as a model organism is planted in the regolith and watered with an organic mix of processed human urine, dried menstrual blood, and chopped hair. Inside the regolith, travelling on a conveyor belt, the organic and mineral substances gradually decompose, transforming it into a substrate that can sustain microorganisms and plant life.
Credit: Barbara Sušnik
TerraPort is the first in a series of projects driven by experiencing the fragility of a planet in a deep ecological crisis. In it, the artist uses her entire female body to contribute to fertility initiatives for future interplanetary civilizations.
photo: tom mesic
photo: Florian Voggeneder
Biography
Credits
Biotech support: Kristijan Tkalec | Construction: Jože Zajc | Technical support: Simon Gmajner, Jure Sajovic | Thanks to: Robert Černelč, Sašo Sedlaček – University of Ljubljana, Academy of Fine Arts and Design, Marko Flajšman, PhD – University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty (SI)
Produced by: Kersnikova Institute / Kapelica Gallery (SI)
Supported by: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, City of Ljubljana (SI)
Programming and 3D modeling: Jakob Grčman between Construction and Technical support
Funded through the STUDIOTOPIA project. STUDIOTOPIA is co-funded by the Creative Europe Program of the European Union.
