15TH INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SCHOOL
Microbial art – painting with microbes
Microbial ecology and BioArt
Microbial art is a fascinating field that combines the beauty of art with the complexity and diversity of microbiology. It is an innovative way of exploring the world of microorganisms and their behavior, while also creating visually stunning works of art.

In microbial art, the living microorganisms are the "paint", and the petri dishes or other substrates are the "canvas." Artists use different types of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and yeasts, to create a wide range of colors, shapes, and textures. By manipulating the growth conditions of these microorganisms, they can create intricate and mesmerizing patterns that reflect the complexity and beauty of the microbial world.
There are many different types of microbial art, ranging from simple patterns created using a single type of microorganism to more complex and sophisticated artworks created using multiple microorganisms. One of the most popular forms of microbial art is the "bacterial painting," where artists use different types of bacteria to create intricate and colorful patterns.

And that is exactly what you'll get to do in this project, which is designed to be inclusive of all backgrounds and skill levels. Whether you're a scientist, artist, or simply someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, microbial art is a fascinating field that's worth exploring.
By participating in this project, you'll have the opportunity to learn about the diverse range of microorganisms and their behavior, while also creating your own visually stunning works of art. You'll get to experiment with different microorganisms, growth conditions, and substrates to create intricate and mesmerizing patterns that reflect the complexity and beauty of the microbial world.
Tutors

Tim Prezelj

Ljubljana Slovenia
Tim Prezelj holds a B.Sc. in microbiology and a M.Sc. in Molecular and Functional Biology. He currently works as a researcher and teaching assistant at both the University of Ljubljana's Faculty of Education and Faculty of Medicine. Tim has mentored IRS projects three times and is deeply involved in data visualization, theoretical and conceptual biology, bio-philosophy, and knowledge structure research, with a particular focus on evolutionary, systematic, and taxonomic concepts. He is a highly collaborative and transdisciplinary researcher, who is passionate about exploring the connections between arts and sciences. Tim actively participates in various international conferences, including the Ars Electronica festival in Linz (Austria), and is a member of multiple national and international organizations.




Alexandra Savelieva

Moscow, Russia
Alexandra has graduated from the Faculty of Soil Science of Lomonosov Moscow State University in 2019, specializing in "Environmental Management and Environmental Safety". Last year she took a part at IRS as a tutor of an urban and social project dedicated to the comfort of living in cities and countryside.
After graduating from the university, Alexandra gave a course of lectures there, though in photography - in addition to her scientific interests, Alexandra is a professional photographer and photography teacher. So she will teach you how to create authentic works of art.
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