Living Labyrinths: Exploring the World of Fungi
The Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery (RAMM) in Exeter has unveiled its latest exhibition, Living Labyrinths, which celebrates the cultural significance of fungi. This extraordinary contemporary art show showcases various installations highlighting fungi’s biological and ecological importance.
Unique Installations:
- Soundscape Collaboration: A musician collaborated with fungi in Devon’s woodlands to create a soundscape inspired by the electrical emissions of mushrooms.
- Kinetic Sculpture: One piece honors Beatrix Potter for her expertise as a mycologist rather than her famous children’s tales.
Curatorial Insight:
Lara Goodband, head curator at RAMM, noted that the exhibition took five years to develop, emphasizing the south-west region’s unique conditions that foster a special appreciation for fungi among its residents.
Growing Interest:
Interest in fungi has surged recently, bolstered by Merlin Sheldrake’s book Entangled Life, which underscores fungi’s critical role in the ecosystem. The exhibition aligns with this trend, attracting diverse visitors from ecologists to those interested in hallucinogenic mushrooms.
Highlighted Works:
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Jason Singh created an installation titled The Intelligence Below that uses biofeedback sensors to translate the electric signals of mycelium into music. Singh expressed his fascination with the vibrational nature of living things and the collaborative experience of recording in nature.
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Beatrix Potter’s Watercolours: Visitors can view her lesser-known mycological studies, now celebrated within the realm of modern mycology.
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Jo Pearl’s In Balance interprets a newly identified fungus named Potteromyces asteroxylicola, linking Potter’s legacy to contemporary science.
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Gemma Anderson-Tempini’s Myco-Mother, 2026 explores the human mycobiome, utilizing local materials to create a visual representation of the fungi within our bodies.
The exhibition not only highlights the artistic endeavor driven by fungi but also signifies their integral role in nature and culture. Visitors are encouraged to explore this multifaceted realm, merging art, science, and ecology in a captivating journey.
