Practical
Thursday, 12 September, 2024 up to and including Thursday, 10 October, 2024
- 13:00 until 18:00
White House Gallery
Chaussée de Charleroi
54
1060
Brussel
An unusual collaboration between science and art comes to life in the exhibition A Fungal Affair, on display at the Whitehouse Gallery. What may initially seem like unrelated professions turns out to be a fascinating experiment with mycelium. Elise Elsacker, a postdoctoral researcher at VUB, and Antwerp-based artist Isabel Fredeus work together to explore mycelium as a material for artistic creation.
While Elsacker focuses on the scientific properties of mycelium, Fredeus experiments with its creative potential, as evidenced by her sculptures made of wood covered with mycelium. The duo investigated the optimal growth conditions in the VUB laboratory, a process not without challenges, such as creating the ideal sterile environment for fungal growth.
Mycelium, which naturally operates symbiotically with its environment, finds a parallel in this project through the collaboration between the artist and the scientist. Just as the mycelium extends its fungal threads in search of nutrients, Fredeus and Elsacker explore new artistic and scientific avenues.
Their work demonstrates how a shared fascination with natural processes not only yields creative art objects but also fosters a deeper connection between disciplines. Just as a mushroom emerges from nourished mycelium, new ideas flourish from this unique collaboration.
The exhibition runs from 12 September to 10 October in Brussels!
VUB team creates first sustainable handbag from mycelium leather
A team of biologists, bioengineers, architects, and product developers at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel has developed the first fully bio-based and biodegradable handbag based on mycelium, including Elise Vanden Elsacker. Mycelium is the root structure of fungus and forms a tight network of white filaments in the soil, on wood, or other organic material. By growing mycelium in lab conditions, a material can be created that can be processed into a substitute for animal or synthetic leather.
The world needs you
This initiative is part of VUB's public programme: a programme for everyone who believes that scientific knowledge sharing, critical thinking and dialogue are an important first step to create impact in the world.
As an Urban Engaged University, VUB aims to be a driver of change in the world. With our academic edcuational programmes and innovative research, we contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations and to making a difference locally and globally.
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