Culture 1996-2005
Kombucha Process,
Project Description
(Click on photos for larger image)
Inspired by the almost archetypal characters of handpuppets
that I remember from my childhood in Germany, this project
sets out to create "Body Puppets," with similar distinct
characters. These body puppets are slightly bigger than
life so that a person can enter one, physically, or pull
one over to put it on. Thus one can become that character.
These puppets are installed on a metal and wood armature in
space. Armature is minimal as to not obstruct the puppets.
I grow the Kombucha-fungus culture as the material for
these puppets. It grows in membrane form and is a symbiosis
of yeast cells and different bacteria. It feeds off a
solution of black tea and sugar. The fermentation process
generates a liquid that is considered a panacea and is
valued for its healing properties in Asia and, more
currently, throughout the rest of the world. As the culture
ages in time it organically evolves a thicker layer upon
layer of living skin floating on top of the liquid. If the
liquid is not periodically refreshed with the feeding
solution (black tea and sugar) the culture will feed until
there is nothing left but the skin itself.
A desired shape for the puppet is molded into one of the
three ten foot by ten foot tanks that are insulated and
temperature controlled at about 75 degrees Fahrenheit. The
shape is made from sand and is lined with plastic sheeting.
Then the Kombucha starter culture is poured into the shape
and the feeding solution added. Away from the sunlight,
with adequate ventilation and attentive care, the membrane
grows into a milky, white, tough skin that covers the
entire surface of whatever shape it is contained within.
When the time and the thickness are right, the pellicle is
taken out of the tank to dry (about 30% shrinkage occurs
due to evaporation). The skins are sewn back-to-back, or
according to a pattern. Then they are treated with
frankincense and myrrh resin to protect and preserve them.
The skins remain alive in organic stasis and will
regenerate if returned to the feeding solution.
Though the puppets occupy a large amount of space when
installed, they come down very easily and can be folded
into shallow crates and shipped, either together or
independently, from their armatures.
Nöle Giulini, April 1996
Kombucha Culture Incubators
(Fiberglas, Heat Tracing; diameter: 9 feet )
Kombucha
Culture, 30 C, 2005
In September 2005 - ten years into
working with the Kombucha Culture - my relationship with it
found its deepest expression.
After consulting with the
Homeopathic Doctor Miranda Castro i asked Helios
Laboratories in Great Britain to develop the first remedy
ever made from Kombucha Culture.
The sample for this came from my studio.
I will be the first person to experience and catalogue the
effects of this medicine.
Before this moment my
relationship with the Kombucha had always manifested itself
in sculpture.
From this intense exploration i realized that i was mostly
using this living entity as though it was simply another
material. Even though its properties and inherent nature
were emphazised i kept feeling that this process is lacking
something.
Would it be always so that the artist's hand forced form
upon the unsuspecting, the chaotic, the seemingly
disorganized body of matter ?
And how could the artistic process open
up and set free rather than close down and
define the spaciousness and the momentum of life
?
Nöle Giulini, September 2005
Slides, photographs and/or video are available upon
request.