Symbionts

Franziska Beilfuß’s Symbionts explores interdependence and interaction of ecological and social correlations through the lens of the biological process of symbiosis. Experimenting with form, color and odor, Beilfuß presents a mixed media exhibition for the senses.

Derived from the Greek word sumbiōsis, meaning ‘living together’, a symbiont is an organism that lives together with another organism of a different species, often in a mutually beneficial relationship. Approaching symbiosis from an ontological perspective, Beilfuß delves into concepts of cooperation and commune-like ways of living through ceramic sculptures, oil paintings and scent-scapes.

Composed of individual parts or ‘symbionts’, Beilfuß’s ceramic sculptures consist of up to 13 single parts, built up on rods with a steel base. Each handbuilt, organic form joins together, merging into a unit. As interaction occurs, each plant-like, vegetal part becomes a ‘symbiont’.

Immersing viewers in an experience of hybridity and interdependence, Beilfuß’s exhibition includes a series of three scents or ‘scent-scapes’, developed in parallel with the sculptures and paintings. Composed by the artist using natural oils and resinoids, isolates and bases, the scent-scapes will be presented alongside the sculptures and painted works. 

Intending to counteract a dominant tendency towards individualism in society, Beilfuß’s Symbionts opens up new spaces for thought regarding our entanglement with the living world. Considering symbiosis as a guiding principle, Beilfuß strives to redefine human-kind’s relationship towards nature, exploring and describing its sustainable processes of coexistence, and the interwoven role that it plays in our existence, and in our future.