Contamination 32

Selin Balci, who earned her MFA in installation and mixed-media art at the University of Maryland in 2012 and a degree in forestry from the University of Istanbul in 2002, considers herself a bio-artist. She applies her training in scientific laboratory settings to artmaking. Fascinated by the capacity of microbial growths to mimic the drama and complexity of human behavior, Balci creates works such as Contamination 32 that force mold and fungi collected from soil and tree bark to share space and compete for resources. Once brought together, these small life forms interact without manipulation by the artist, resulting in kaleidoscopic confrontations of vibrant textures and colors. According to Balci, “The behaviors of the microorganisms resemble human actions and motives. Visually representing the maps and aerial scenes, these microbes act as metaphors for war and the human predicament.”

Selin Balci

2013

Courtesy of the artist

Microbial growth on boards

9 segments, each 16 x 16 inches; Installed: 75 x 75 inches