An interdisciplinary project team from Ostfalia University has developed an artwork for the exhibition "Utopia. Right to Hope", which is currently on show at the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg, an interdisciplinary project team from Ostfalia University has developed a work of art that combines materials research and design. It is based on fungal mycelium, which combines plant fibres such as wood shavings or straw to create a new, recyclable solid and thus demonstrates the potential of sustainable materials. "I realise that we must put an end to the throwaway society. We need to realise that we have to make an effort to find new materials," explains Prof. Dr Ingo Johannsen from the Institute for Recycling. "But with the mushroom, we also have something living in front of us. We have to use and care for it carefully, because the fact that the material grows, is harvested, but can also decompose again, is a completely new aspect."
Interdisciplinary mycelium research as an artistic practice
The mycelium project originates from a research group led by Prof Johannsen and was expanded for the exhibition to include a collective of artists whose members have backgrounds in carpentry, product design, silversmithing and material design. The team (Prof. Johannsen, Björn Kendelbacher, Luisa Kistenbrügger and Annalena Manzals) felt that the invitation from the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg was a special honour. "It was a stroke of luck, but it also fills us with a little pride that we were asked if we wanted to contribute something," says Johannsen. "We designed the object, but specifically for the Kunsthalle and this exhibition." The result is an angular object made of modular mycelium building blocks that are reminiscent of bricks and at the same time of standardised test specimens from research. "I like art that is easy for everyone to understand," says Björn Kendelbacher. "That's why we kept the design simple. So that you can create access to the fact that a utopia can also become reality or something everyday."
Focus on sustainable materials and future issues
Within the exhibition, which addresses future social developments, the mycelium object sees itself as a contribution to the discussion about sustainable resources and material cycles. Visitors show great interest in possible applications, as the team reports. "That's a good approach. I hope that visitors to the exhibition will be encouraged to think about themselves and sustainability in their lives - for example when building a house," explains Luisa Kistenbrügger. Annalena Manz also emphasises the openness of the public: "I think we manage to irritate them a little. Many people want to touch the exhibits straight away or talk to us about which building materials they use. This low-threshold point of contact inspires me."
The mycelium artwork can be seen at the Kunstmuseum Wolfsburg (external link, opens in a new window) until 11 January 2026.
