Living Light Experiment

Encounter the ancient light of bioluminescent bacteria A. Fischeri and contemplate how the living colony has evolved this extraordinary light over eons through a symbiotic relationship with the Hawaiian bobtail squid.

This project is a collaboration between bioengineer Matt Faria, biomathematician Stuart Johnston, and artists Robert Walton, Madeleine Flynn and Tim Humphrey. The group are conducting one of the first studies of human perceptions of beauty in bioluminescent light with the aim of developing sustainable lighting sources in collaboration with living systems.

The light A. Fischeri emits impacts the sound composition in the environment you share with the colony during the performance. In turn, the sound vibrations interact with the bacteria, stimulating their light. The delicate balance between sound vibrations, the air we breathe together, and the living colony creates a meditative, immersive experience to contemplate mysteries of light and life, performance and perception.

The colony performs every ten minutes. Individuals and small groups may enter the performance every 10 minutes. We would like to hear about your perception of the qualities of living light through a short survey or an interview about the experience, which may take an additional 15 minutes.

The experience includes moving in a space with very low light and listening to immersive soundscapes.  It takes place on a flat floor and the venue is wheelchair accessible.

This project is funded by The University of Melbourne Bio-Inspiration Seed Fund.