As data gradually takes over the raw resources of states and institutions, a critical reflection on its ecological and political impact is needed.
Mixing science and art, Cryptographic Beings presents a new technology for storing digital information on algae.
Cryptographic Beings presents a new technology for storing digital information on algae.
As data gradually takes over the raw resources of states and institutions, a critical reflection on its ecological and political impact is needed.
The increase in the amount of data produced only reflects the dependence of our societies on information processing technologies. Thus, new storage media for this digital information are emerging (such as DNA storage).
Through this installation it is possible to store 5 bytes of information (i.e. a 5 letter word).
Cladophora Aegagropila is an alga endemic to the cold lakes of Japan and Northern Europe. During photosynthesis, oxygen bubbles are formed in its hairs allowing it to float on the surface.
Like a digital bit, this plant has two states (at the bottom of the container or at the surface). By controlling their access to light, it is possible to change their state and thus write bits of digital information.
The contrast between the dimensions of the installation and its storage capacity incentivise a critique of the relationship between the information produced by our society and the information supported by ecosystems. This technological proposal also serves as a support for reflection on the problems of information processing in the living world.
