95% Happiness

"95% Happiness" is an art project that explores the relationship between the gut microbiome, emotions, and mood, and uses the artist's personal experiences to create a physical representation of happiness. The inspiration for this project came from the knowledge that certain gut bacteria are involved in cognitive and social functions, such as depression, autism, and schizophrenia. Some gut bacteria can produce neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which affect our mood. According to research, 95% of the body's serotonin is produced in the gastrointestinal tract, which is why the gut is often referred to as "the second brain."

The artist has a personal connection to this topic, as she has been diagnosed with panic disorder and depression, and her health has deteriorated over the last three years due to irregular eating habits, a monotonous diet, and frequent moves between countries. Over the past two years, she has been working to improve her health and has been monitoring her gut microbiome status under various residential and dietary conditions. To her surprise, her data showed that her gut microbiome gradually became more balanced and diverse as she recovered from her psychiatric symptoms.

In this work, the artist demonstrates the interplay between gut bacteria, personal emotions, and mood by analyzing her medical records and gut microbiome samples from Germany, South Korea, and the United States. She collected samples when she was in her healthiest state and cultivated the Bacteroidetes cluster in her gut microbiome, which is known for producing serotonin and promoting feelings of contentment, satisfaction, and emotional stability. Through her two-year collaboration with Dr. Park, the artist aims to represent her happiness in a bottle, calling it her "95% of happiness," thus turning the abstract concept of happiness into a tangible form and sensory experience.

Artist, Concept, Production: Sabina Hyoju Ahn
Scientific Advisor: Dr. Doosang Park (KRIBB)
Graphic Design and Data Visualization: Philip Ryu
Editorial Design: Xianlu Yi
Videography: Rania Shine, Jong Heon Lee

Thanks to Dr. Songeun Baik, Sey Parc, Minsung Kim, Seungyeon Oh

Supported by Deajeon Culture and Arts Foundation and Korea Research Institute of Bioscience & Biotechnology(KRIBB) 2021-2022.