As a branch of biology the mycology only appeared at the end of the 20th century. Until then, fungi belonged to the plant kingdom, and their unique structure was considered according to general rules of biology. Today, scientists continue to actively explore the kingdom of fungi, discovering new properties — from their role in the evolution to the study of mycelium’s communication abilities.
Today mycology reveals the deep interconnectedness of all life forms and challenges any attempts to develop clear species classification. Mushrooms resist any binarity (can we look at the mushroom as a queer agent?). The movements and formation of mushroom bodies eludes the descriptive nature of science, since the basis of a mushroom body is deterritorialization.
Fungi resist generalizations and consist of a play of difference and repetition. They carry the properties of a pharmakon, capable of simultaneously poisoning and healing. The mushroom simultaneously symbolizes life and death. It exists as mucus and as a body. It takes an active part in the regenerative processes of the biosphere and shows that decomposition can contribute to the emergence of new life — new ideas.
Contemporary philosophy often turns to the fungi kingdom in search of metaphors that explain homogeneity, decentralization, and isomorphism. The rhizome, the Internet, horizontal connections, resistance to capitalism are described through the image of the mycelium and the symbiotic properties of the mushroom. Today, the potential of fungi is widely explored in the fields of art and design. All their shadow properties, which remain without scientific explanation, open up a practical and theoretical space for the birth of new interdisciplinary projects. What is the importance of fungi as a source of ideas for a sustainable future? Can art be the impetus for new questions in the study of fungi?
Unique fungi politics and aesthetics can be part of our desire to create an extensive network of relationships. This perspective requires recognizing our role in the unfolding environmental crisis. But what if combining the potential of art & science can change the apocalyptic perspective of looking at these issues and present modernity as a cultural crossroads? As a moment of rethinking the role of science and technology through “fungi entanglement” — from our daily lives to military and industrial technology? Can we explore new directions of thought and action based on an understanding of the rich diversity of life that surrounds us?
In this confusing world, mycology teaches us to recognize that our understanding of the complex interweaving of life is only a fragment of a grander symphony. The network of mycelium that permeates the soil and connects disparate organisms is a way of confronting the nature of death. Can we make this strategy a way of cultural confrontation?

Scientific curator:
Ippolit Markelov

Artists:

Andrew Adamatzky and Sergey Kostyrko, Anastasia Alekhina, Nadezhda Bey, Bioroboty 019, Katya Bryskina, Sara Dotterer, Kira Gorshkova, Grigory Kirgizov, Vsevolod Krassa and Elizaveta Fomina, Julia Levina, LÚKUTA Duet, Dilan Ozkan, Irina Petrova Adamatzky, Laura Rodriguez, Adrienn Ujhazi.

Art & Science Center Team:

Elizaveta Menis, Director of ITMO Art & Science Center
Alexey Feskov, Technical Director
Lina Kipriushina, Asya Kaplan, Public Program Curators
Mila Lutsyk, Exhibition Design
Ekaterina Yudaeva, PR and SMM
Veronica Kislova, Anna Symetria, Exhibition Coordinators
Maria Moshchenskaya, Veronika Prizova, Alexandra Burnusuz — BioArt Lab Team, Scientific Consultants



Tolk Studio Team:

Daria Shpineva, PR Director of Tolk Podcast Studio
Olga Talalaeva, Content Director of Tolk Podcast Studio
Yasmin Muzieddin, Designer