Myka Baum

This project investigates the fermentation process of Symbiotic Cultures of Bacteria and Yeast (SCOBY), recently popularised by the trend for Kombucha. While the Kombucha brewer usually considers the SCOBY as a waste product, it has the potential to be a sustainable alternative to plastic and leather. To the artist, it is also a record of the ephemeral and largely invisible interaction between yeast and bacteria, and a work of art in its own right.

Myka's artwork utilises SCOBYs (Symbiotic Cultures of Bacteria and Yeast) as metaphors for societal inequality and environmental degradation. By visually representing how a living fabric becomes distorted when imbalance occurs, the artist aims to make the effects of these issues visible and tangible. Through the work, the viewer is encouraged to reflect on the interconnectedness of our world and the importance of fostering balance and sustainability in society and the environment. Ultimately, the work aims to prompt conversations about solutions and actions to address these imbalances, using art as a catalyst for change.