Chris Bellamy

In collaboration with Iris van Herpen we developed a ‘living look’, inhabited by 125 million bioluminescent micro-algae, which illuminates in response to movement and touch. The micro-algae are grown in seawater baths before being encapsulated into the form for the garment. The micro-algae need only sunlight to survive, and their circadian rhythm was carefully controlled to ensure they illuminated during the show titled "Sympoiesis". Sympoiesis, a concept popularised by Donna Haraway, is embodied in this creation, as a collectively produced garment between human, non-human, and technology - which evolves over time through the interdependent relationships of those involved. To achieve this first of its kind living material in haute couture, a bespoke 35 step process was developed, which allowed the micro-algae to be encapsulated into this form. The project is an evolution of my research project Lucid Life | Marama Ora. Working with scientists, and indigenous communities in French Polynesia, living artefacts are created through interspecies and intercultural collaborations. More information can be found on biocrafted.com