Slime molds, also known as myxomycetes, exhibit certain signs of intelligence, as scientists have suggested in recent years. But can something be considered intelligent if it lacks a nervous system? A brain? Classical science would likely answer this question with a firm "no." But what if the signs are there, yet science refuses to acknowledge the existence of mental phenomena in non-mental beings?

This is where art comes to the rescue, allowing us to ask, “What if?” What if slime molds experience the world through emotions—albeit in a completely different way?

And how can we perceive or recognize this?

To explore this question, we created our bio-installation, featuring an interface that transmits light to the slime mold. Science has reliably established that these organisms respond to light. Simultaneously, we send electrical impulses to a special gel substrate where our subject resides, engaging a second mode of interaction.

Using their hands, a person can attempt to communicate with the slime mold—through light and electricity. But what exactly will they transmit? Signs? Emotions encoded in the movement of their hands?

Humanity began communicating through hand gestures. Handprints are among the earliest marks we find on the walls of ancient caves—our first language, an attempt to understand one another. We invite participants to retrace this path, but this time, to establish a shared language with Living.

Yes, humanity has come a long way in communication and information exchange. Today, we use computers and graphical interfaces, built from pixels—tiny cells that receive and visualize information for us.

In our installation, we created a simple analog interface that allows the slime mold to communicate with us. Sixteen coils transmit a processed electrical signal received from the organism, causing ferromagnetic fluid to move, transforming into intricate patterns resembling Rorschach inkblots.

But what is it transmitting? Emotions? The slime mold’s unconscious? Anxiety?
We believe each participant will find their own answer through direct interaction with our subject.