Dashaplesen: Charting the Impact of Human Life on Nature through Microbial Traces

Daria Fedorova, who goes by the name Dashaplesen, creates biological art by first extracting traces of human-made spaces and objects such as the subway, a church, antiquities, and many more, before then culturing them in a Petri dish. What grows are usually microbial fungi and bacterial colonies that make beautiful and eerie pieces with a finite life span. This means her initial artworks are living organisms whose exhibition can only be done by capturing their traces in photographs or videos.

By cultivating microbes and fungi so that they are visible to the naked eye, these pieces show the connection between humanity and Mother Nature. As they show that even in the most human of spaces, places, and objects, traces of nature can be found. This is why bio art by Dashaplesen is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Life on Land.

Dashaplesen sees her art-making process as an ideal and equitable co-creation process with nature. She nurtures and feeds the organisms that have grown in her Petri dishes, making sure they live through their full life cycles and die naturally. In exchange, the organism will give her piece new shades, tones, and gradients throughout its life cycle. This mutually beneficial symbiosis is something that her art celebrates and wishes to promote in her viewers—so that they too can strive to make everyday choices that not only benefit them but also the nature around them.

With an estimated 2,500,000 species, fungi is the second largest kingdom of eukaryotes (multicellular organisms) after animals. Currently, fungi research has been considered to be the next frontier of biodiversity science, as despite their close proximity to human life, fungi as a kingdom have long been overlooked by researchers. Hence, Dashaplesen’s work also helps in garnering the public’s interest in the invisible lives of microscopic fungi, a move that will help push for further research on the organisms. 

Dashaplesen's work offers a profound exploration of the intersection between human life and the natural world, revealing the often unseen connections through the cultivation of microbial life. By bringing the hidden world of fungi and bacteria into the light, her bio art not only highlights the presence of nature in our everyday environments but also emphasizes the importance of a symbiotic relationship with the natural world. 

As the study of fungi and other microorganisms gains traction in the scientific community, Dashaplesen’s art plays a vital role in fostering public interest and awareness, paving the way for deeper understanding and appreciation of these often overlooked organisms. Through her innovative approach, Dashaplesen invites everyone to rethink their relationship with nature and consider the lasting impact of their choices on the world.

Find out more about bio art and other pieces by Dashaplesen on her website, www.dashaplesen.com or Instagram @dashaplesen.