Microbial Mindscapes (2024)

Microbial Mindscapes is an interactive audiovisual installation and performance exploring the impact of the human gut microbiota on emotions. Inspired by the artist’s struggles with panic disorder and depression, this project merges biophysics, gastroenterology, microbiome research, microbiology, pharmacology, and AI.
Using scientific discoveries on molecular interactions and microscopic techniques, it links gut microbiota with mental health and cognitive functions, highlighting the influence of lifestyle on well-being. The project explores philosophical and scientific correlations between humans and microbes, prompting a reevaluation of consciousness and self-identity. Through an immersive visual and auditory experience, the project encourages reflection on the interplay between art, science and human emotion. It broadens understanding of mental and physical health, emphasizing gut microbiota’s role in shaping our emotional and cognitive states and advocating for a holistic approach to health.

Biological Machines

Combining biological materials with technology to create transformative artistic experiences.

Post-Digital Media

Investigating human perception through contemporary scientific methods and artistic practices.

Artist: Sabina Hyoju Ahn
Sound: Ryan Millett
Visual & Space Architects: Nefeli Manoudaki
Iason Paterakis Fabrication:Junsoo Kim
Lead Scientist & Project Manager: Yoojin Oh
Scientists: Christina Watschinger, Tobias Ruff, Rong Zhu, Peter Hinterdorfer

This work is supported by LIT-ARS-2024-003, FWF projects I5791 and P35166, the FWF Cluster of Excellence “Microbiomes Drive Planetary Health,” the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs of the Republic of Austria, the Arts Council Korea, and MAT (UCSB).