Biomodd: When Art, Science, Culture and Community Meet | Dr. Diego Maranan

Summary

The BioMod project, initiated in 2008 by artist and scientist Angela Vermeulen, explores the intersection of art, science, and community. It began with an installation in Ohio, where algae and tropical fish were used to cool computers, addressing electronic waste. The project evolved as it was adapted in the Philippines, incorporating local contexts and post-colonial themes. Over the years, BioMod has transitioned from monolithic installations to more distributed, rhizomatic forms, incorporating various global and local elements. This project exemplifies the blending of global influences with local cultures, reimagining technology and sustainability in an artistic and collaborative way.

Takeaways

• 😀 BioMod is a collaborative project that combines art, science, and technology, initiated in 2008 by artist and scientist Angela Vermeulen.
• 🌍 The project evolved through various locations, including Ohio, Philippines, Taiwan, and Belgium, each adaptation reflecting local culture and context.
• 🔄 BioMod addresses environmental concerns, such as electronic waste, by reusing and repurposing discarded computers and other materials.
• 💡 The project's central theme revolves around the symbiotic relationship between biological and electronic systems, for instance, algae cooling computers.
• 🖥️ A key inspiration for BioMod is 'case modding', where computers are reimagined and customized with new cooling systems and other creative upgrades.
• 🌱 The project emphasizes the hybridization of biological materials (like algae) from various global sources to create unique, locally integrated installations.
• 💧 In the Philippines, BioMod was adapted to utilize excess heat from computers for growing fish via hydroponics, showcasing innovative local problem-solving.
• 🔌 The concept of 'waste' varies globally—what is considered waste in the West might not be regarded as waste in the Philippines, highlighting cultural differences in resource management.
• 🎮 Digital games played a role in the BioMod installations, incorporating open-source games and turning the installations into interactive, multiplayer experiences.
• 🎨 BioMod uses local materials in each installation, such as recycled coconut lumber in the Philippines, further deepening the connection with local craftsmanship and community.
• 🚀 BioMod has evolved from monolithic structures to more distributed, rhizomatic forms, reflecting a move towards more decentralized, adaptable designs, like the 'Seeker' project, a conceptual starship community.

Q & A

What is the BioMod project, and when did it begin?

The BioMod project is a series of interdisciplinary projects that combine art, science, culture, and community. It started in 2008, initiated by artist and scientist Angela Vermeulen, who collaborated with artists, scientists, and designers from around the world.

What was the focus of the original BioMod project in Athens, Ohio?

The original BioMod project focused on creating a symbiotic relationship between biological and electronic systems. It involved using algae to cool computers, which in turn generated heat that benefited tropical fish in a tank. The project also aimed to address electronic waste by repurposing old computers and incorporating digital gaming elements.

How did the BioMod project evolve when it was brought to the Philippines?

The BioMod project in the Philippines adapted the original concept by integrating hydroponics to use the excess heat from computers for growing fish. The project also addressed local concerns about authenticity and hybridity, particularly when mixing algae from different regions, including the US and the Philippines.

What is the significance of hybridity and authenticity in the BioMod project?

The concept of hybridity and authenticity was important in the BioMod project, particularly when integrating algae from different countries. There was a discussion about whether it was appropriate to mix algae from the US with local algae in the Philippines, raising questions about cultural authenticity and the impacts of colonization.

How did the BioMod project in the Philippines address local challenges regarding waste?

In the Philippines, the definition of 'waste' differed from that in the West. For example, while Pentium 4 computers were needed for the project, they were considered outdated in the Philippines, where Pentium II computers were still in use. This presented challenges in sourcing appropriate technology, but also highlighted the cultural differences in defining electronic waste.

How did the BioMod project engage with the local community in the Philippines?

The BioMod project in the Philippines engaged the local community through collaboration and participation. It involved students, local wood carvers, and gardeners in the creation of the installation. There was also a focus on integrating local cultural elements, such as the mythology of Maria Makiling, into the art and gameplay.

What were some fundraising challenges faced during the BioMod project in the Philippines?

Fundraising for the BioMod project was challenging because the concept of 'art meets science' was not widely understood or valued at the time. As a result, the project team had to get creative, fundraising through selling bio-mod-inspired drinks and hotdogs, as well as seeking small donations in exchange for placing donors' photos on the project website.

What role did the idea of 'sampling and appropriating' play in the BioMod project?

Sampling and appropriating were central themes in the BioMod project, particularly in how the team integrated local cultural elements into the installation. For example, the game design incorporated the mythology of Maria Makiling, but there was resistance to fully 'appropriating' the story, leading to a compromise where the myth was subtly integrated into the design without overwhelming the authenticity of the local culture.

How did the design of the BioMod installation evolve over time?

Over time, the design of the BioMod installation evolved from large, monolithic structures to more distributed, rhizomatic forms. This shift reflects a move away from rigid, singular designs towards more flexible, interconnected systems, embodying a more decentralized approach that mirrors natural and technological ecosystems.

What is the Seeker project, and how does it relate to the BioMod project?

The Seeker project is an extension of the BioMod concept, where communities are invited to design and prototype their own 'starships' or living installations. This project is more performance-based, with participants living in these installations as a form of artistic expression. It connects to BioMod by continuing the exploration of integrating art, science, and technology into community-driven designs.