The theme of Foto Wien 2022 is Rethinking Nature. In a time shaped by a pandemic and accelerating climate change, we are compelled to reconsider our relationship with the planet. OTHER-MOTHER is a proclamation of role reversal in our constellation with the other-than-human beings that play essential roles in shaping our environments and sustaining our existence. We can no longer remain in the comfortable position of care receivers.

 

OTHER-MOTHER envisions an eco-emancipated (Sharon Krause) act of care-giving and invites us to rethink and revive our connection with those who stood at the very beginning of life. It is a call for a microbial Renaissance — a reminder of the unseen worlds that make our own lives possible.

 

Regeneration

 

In the process of fermentation SCOBY (Symbiotic Cultures Of Bacteria & Yeast) grow an organ on top of Kombucha tea that works much like our own skin or a placenta. The hull protects the maternal culture and newborns in the fluid, it is an expanding and renewing natural defence. If it gets damaged or removed the symbionts will immediately start to repair or create a new hull. The new layer can only grow from a mother culture and is therefore also called Baby SCOBY.

 

SCOBY biofilms are inspiring self-sustaining, resilient communities of care. Microscopic organisms living together in complex systems, bonding in mutually beneficial constructions, depending on one another, contributing to each other’s joy and growth. 

There's something growing,

outside and inside of me

 

 

Ancient

Otherworldly

 

very different

yet..

strangely familiar 

 

 

 

 

 

It seems to go through the process of

building organs

building worlds 

 

We know each other 

I am kin to it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

INTERSPECIES CARE