Art inspired by pioneering research on mycelia at VUB

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Sculpture made of wood overgrown with mycelium. Image © Elise Elsacker
Sculpture made of wood overgrown with mycelium. Image © Elise Elsacker
The Whitehouse Gallery in Brussels this week opens a unique exhibition of work by artist Isabel Fredeus, which innovatively merges science and art. The exhibition is the result of a year-long collaboration between Fredeus and Elise Elsacker of the microbiology research group at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB). Central to the exhibition is the use of mycelia - the network of fungal threads that act as the "roots" of mushrooms - in artistic creations.

Fredeus, known for her works in glass and ceramics, began her experiments with mycelium about a year ago in the VUB laboratory. Under Elsacker’s guidance, she conducted several tests to integrate mycelia into her sculptures. The working process was a close collaboration between artist and scientist, focusing on the growth process of the mycelium on Fredeus’ wood sculptures.

The exhibition includes an installation in which wooden sculptures are slowly "covered" with mycelium cells by water droplets. This growth process is similar to the natural way mycelium spreads in the forest and breaks down wood.

"The dialogue between art and science was a crucial aspect of this project," Elsacker explains. "We worked intensively together to match the right type of wood and mycelium strains from our collection, and tested different prototypes to create the best conditions for the experiment."

The project was not completed without challenges. The technique of properly growing the mycelium in a glass environment required multiple attempts, which included sterile conditions and an optimal liquid nutrient medium for the mycelium.

"We had to work meticulously to avoid contamination and design the right system to disperse the mycelium cells. Our collaboration highlights the innovative ways in which artists and scientists can strengthen each other." said Elsacker.


The exhibition at the Whitehouse Gallery runs parallel to the Enghien Biennale, where Fredeus is also exhibiting installations.

Practical information:

Exhibition ’Fungal Affair’ from 12/09 to 10/10.

Whitehouse Gallery, Chaussée de Charleroi 54, 1060 Brussels

Vernissage September 12, 17-21h

Exceptional opening hours: Fri, Sat, Sun 11-18h

Artist talk Isabel Fredeus & Elise Elsacker: Sun 15/09, 14h

More info: A Fungal Affair