In my semester project on the theme of permeation, I present an installation composed of chemically perforated fabric and dominant illumination.
Concept
My inspiration came from biological phenomena such as dehiscence (splitting, opening) and apoptosis (the programmed breakdown of cells for a higher purpose). The perforations are predetermined rather than caused by an external force, yet we still observe a form of destruction. Through these perforations, light flows – life. I found the strongest visual pattern in monstera leaves, which, thanks
to apoptosis, allow rays of light to reach even the lowest leaves.
The elements of the composition communicate with one another; in contrast to the process of decay, a certain sensitivity and a suggestion of the cycle of life circulate within it.
Biological phenomenon
The phenomenon of cellular breakdown can be observed not only in monstera leaves, but also
in the following examples: human fingers are formed through targeted cell death – without this
self-destruction we would have webbing; in salmon, autolysis (the breakdown of their own tissues) occurs after spawning – their bodies enrich the river with nutrients necessary for the survival of their offspring; termites have sacs filled with toxic secretions which, once ruptured, kill the enemy as well as the termite itself.
Technical process
As a metaphor for the idea of pre-programmed tissue decay, I use chemical reactions activated
or enhanced by UV light. Light, as the main element of permeation, is therefore also used within
the technical process. The specific method is called the photo-Fenton reaction. Its core principle lies
in hydroxyl radicals – highly reactive particles produced by the reaction of hydrogen peroxide with iron (e.g., FeSO₄) – which attack almost everything around them. UV light supports the formation
of radicals and continuously regenerates the reaction cycle so that it does not slow down or stop completely.
The relatively high level of control over the outcome of this technique allows for an individual choice of the perforation shapes.
The final work was preceded by a process consisting of the following proposals.
