“EVERYONE LOVES A MUSHROOM”

Curator Francesca Gavin has gathered works by 35 artists, designers and musicians to explore the world of mushrooms for this special exhibition opening in January at Somerset House in London.

“Everyone loves a mushroom, it makes people happy. There is something light-hearted to it and perhaps it’s an antidote to a lot of the conceptualism of contemporary art.”

Highlights include American artist Cy Twombly’s collage portfolio paralleling natural world and human history, watercolours from renowned author Beatrix Potter, composer John Cage’s limited edition Mushroom Book of recipes, observations and illustrations, and inspiring works from contemporary artists.

One will be able to explore ground-breaking experiments in design, textiles and architecture that utilise mushrooms in exciting new ways – from upcycled agro-waste to sustainable shoes made with mycelium, which is a topic I am incredibly fascinated by.

Contributing artists include Takashi Murakami, Haroon Mirza, Hannah Collins, Adham Faramawy, Annie Ratti, Simon Popper, Jae Rhim Lee, Graham Little, Seana Gavin, Perks and Mini, and Mae-ling Lokko. 

Don’t miss this talk:

Fungi Futures: Movements in Mycelium

Mycelium, the thread-like underground root network of Fungi often referred to as the Wood Wide Web is vital to the survival of our natural environment. By forming bonds with the root networks of plants and trees mycelium forms an underground network capable of passing nutrients and warning messages from plant to plant. It is also crucial in the breakdown of dead plants and organisms, revitalising soil and enabling new life to grow. Mycelium can also be nurtured in lab situations as a biodegradable alternative to plastic and has been used to create clothing, shoes, artwork and furniture. At the forefront of these developments at the intersection of sustainability and design is Ehab Sayed founder of Biohm, an organisation that use biological systems to drive innovation in domestic design. Sayed will discuss his research and the landmark projects of the company from with product designers through to producing mycelium based insulation on an industrial scale.

THE MAGIC OF MUSHROOMS PSILOCYBIN AND ALTERED STATES

The talk will explore the contemporary reassessment of the mushroom, advancements in mycelium as a sustainable material and as a metaphor for our entangled existence. With fungus predating humans by over a billion years and predicted to survive the next climate catastrophe, enjoy a conversation on the humble mushroom, and its cultural impact on our brief time on earth.

Mushrooms: The art, design and future of fungi is at Somerset House 31 January-26 April 2020