Description

“Colonized” is a collection of fiber and mycelial works that visually interrogate the insidious nature of mental health stigma. Rooted in the concepts of anticipated stigma – the fear of societal rejection – and internalized stigma – the self-inflicted shame and doubt arising from societal pressures, the project explores the destructive impact of these forces on mental and emotional well-being.

Inspired by the pervasive and destructive growth patterns of fungi, the sculptures symbolize the gradual deterioration of mental health under the weight of societal misconceptions. Mycelium cultivation and fabric manipulation techniques are employed to amplify the visual metaphor of growth and overgrowth, representing the unchecked proliferation of stigma.These organic forms collectively underscore the intertwined challenges of mental health and environmental sustainability.

By utilizing recycled polyester and hemp by-product as a foundational material and nurturing mycelium within its structure, the sculptures serve as tangible representations of how stigma can invade and erode individual resilience. The decision to present these sculptures as wearables on mannequins further emphasizes the idea that stigma is a burden carried by individuals, obscuring and muting their unique identities. The mannequins, devoid of personal characteristics,become symbols of the collective impact of stigma on personal expression and self-worth.

The project also investigates the potential of mycelium to bioremediate recycled polyester, transforming waste into a sustainable material, reflecting a broader exploration of innovative solutions within healthcare contexts. This integrated approach seeks to illuminate the complex relationship between individual and societal factors contributing to mental health challenges, while also proposing sustainable alternatives for addressing related issues.

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As a biodesigner and textile artist, I had the incredible opportunity to collaborate with researcher Angel Algarin, focusing on mental health and the stigma associated with HIV disease. Rooted in the concepts of anticipated stigma – the fear of societal rejection – and internalized stigma – the self-inflicted shame and doubt arising from societal pressures, this project aimed to visually explore the destructive impact of these forces on mental and emotional well-being. I saw this as the perfect opportunity to represent his research through mycelium growth, uniquely combining art and science.

Working with living materials presented challenges, as nature dictated the growth process, and I had to navigate through the unpredictable path of mycelium growth. Experimenting with mycelium, hemp hurd, and various fibers, I delved into brainstorming sessions with Angel, allowing us to develop a representation of his research through my artistic lens.

To amplify the visual metaphor of growth and overgrowth, the project employed both mycelium growth and fabric manipulation techniques. These organic forms collectively underscore the dual challenges of mental health stigma and environmental sustainability. By utilizing recycled polyester as a foundational material and nurturing mycelium within its structure, these sculptures serve as tangible metaphors for how stigma can infiltrate and erode individual resilience.Furthermore, by exploring mycelium’s capacity to biodegrade recycled polyester, the project aims to contribute to a circular economy within healthcare and industries, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

The decision to present these sculptures as wearables on mannequins further emphasized the idea that stigma is a burden carried by individuals, obscuring and muting their unique identities. The mannequins, devoid of personal characteristics,become symbols of the collective impact of stigma on personal expression and self-worth.

The result was a collection of fiber and mycelial works, which visually represented the insidious nature of stigma surrounding mental health and HIV disease. These sculptures embody the gradual breakdown of mental and emotional well-being due to societal pressures and misconceptions, emphasizing the dual challenges of mental health stigma and the impact of HIV disease. By utilizing recycled polyester and hemp by-product as a foundational material and cultivating mycelium within its structure, the aim was to represent the concept artistically and, as a designer, explore innovative approaches to waste reduction and sustainable material utilization in healthcare contexts.

Utilizing mycelium as a material for healthcare applications represents a groundbreaking material innovation in healthcare. This project highlights mycelium’s aesthetic side and therapeutic potential and opens up new possibilities for integrating art, design, and healthcare. Through collaboration with Phoenix Bioscience Core, we can further explore the applications of mycelium in healthcare settings and advance the conversation on mental health awareness and support.