Studiolada

The brain-mind conundrum has long been the subject of debate and speculation amongst scientists and philosophers. In recent times, however, a new player has been unmasked, the enteric nervous system in our gut; nicknamed ‘the second brain’ an often-overlooked intricate network of some 100 million neurons and a rich microbiota. The systems of the gut/brain axis have a bidirectional relationship influencing health, mood and behaviour.

Householders share a rich array of their microbiome with each other. There are dynamic interactions between us and our housemates and even our pets. A shared internal ecosystem.

This installation draws inspiration from this complex exchange; exploring the unexpected and unintended intimacy between cohabitants, opening up an opportunity for altruistic action in the exchange of micro-flora. One could in theory choose to consume a diet rich in pre/probiotics with the specific mindful intention of sharing biologically beneficial flora with their housemates and colleagues.

This installation began by solely exploring bacteria, however, with the recent pandemic, it was impossible to ignore the viral component of the microbiome.

Bacteria and viruses aren’t inherently good or bad. Both have been used to target and treat diseased cells, genetic disorders and as vectors for life-saving vaccines.

Our ever-growing understanding of the mechanisms for gut to brain communication will ultimately aid in the development of new and effective neurotherapeutics.[1]

The work is a tangible illustration of interconnectedness on a very worldly plane; where humans, animals and any number of phenomena interact and influence each other constantly. In Microbiome, we see that even forms invisible to the human eye, like bacteria and viruses, play a role in our everyday mundane existence. A reminder of the potential of absolute reality, even if it is not visible to us right away.

For further reading on altruism:

For the Benefit of All Beings: A commentary on the Way of the Bodhisattva
By His Holiness the Dalai Lama:
“Sometimes I think I am one-half Buddhist monk and the other half a scientist”

Altruism: The Power of Compassion to Change Yourself and the World
By Matthieu Ricard PhD Cell Genetics, Buddhist Monk

For information on the rapidly developing science of the human microbiome:

The Food & Mood Centre at Deakin University, Victoria
Professor Felice Jacka, Director of the Food and Mood Centre, Author
https://foodandmoodcentre.com.au

[1] K Berding, K Vlckova, W Marx, H Schellekens, C Stanton, G Clarke, F Jacka, T G Dinan, J F Cryan, Diet and the Microbiota–Gut-Brain Axis, Advances in Nutrition, Volume 12, Issue 4, July 2021, Pages 1239–1285