De-compose

DE-compose is a single channel video work that explores some of the hidden ecological players, such as termites, microbes and fungi, that perform an intrinsic role in the health of our planet. Often regarded as pests, germs or as rotting decay, these valuable organisms create beauty, in their dynamic and transformative actions recycling nutrients to support new life.

The work was created using microscopic imagery of twelve termite genus from the ‘Wood, Termite, Fungi Project’‚ together with imagined microbe imagery projected over flora to create a vibrant and beautiful kaleidoscope of decay.

DE-compose exposes the complex dichotomy between humans and nature, inviting us to consider an imagined future where multi-species relationships are respected, understood and valued.

DE-compose was created in response to an art-science residency embedded within the current environmental research project: The Wood, Termite & Fungi Project, a long-term international research project, led by University of Miami, studying tropical deadwood carbon fluxes, in order to improve current carbon models used for climate forecast modelling. The project combines field, molecular, and modelling approaches in tropical Australia, where termites and fungi are key agents of wood turnover. Special thanks to Rebecca Clement, George Washington University for capturing and supplying source images of termite genus featured in the work after being digitally altered by the artist.  This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body. Proudly supported by the Wood, Termite, Fungi project.