Fruiting Bodies and Their Threads

I have always been drawn to the aesthetic of mushrooms, but it wasn’t until recently I began learning and understanding more about the hidden world of fungi. I learned a mushroom is only the fruiting body of a much greater and complex structure underground called mycelium. Mycelium is creditably important for breaking down organic materials and replenishing the soil. It has also been called “nature’s internet” because it has a symbiotic relationship with 92% of plants in which it allows for communication and nutrients to be shared.

I imagined my piece, suit held together by threads, much like mycelium, with the protruding evidence of turkey tail style mushrooms. The beading of the mushrooms calls to mind a mineral-like hardness like a geode armor, built up over time, protective, and its threads holding the piece together. 

I wanted to pair the fungi theme with an exaggerated rainbow color scheme. Mushrooms symbolize decay, medicine, and rebirth while rainbows symbolize peace, hope, promise, pride, and diversity. Together they represent acknowledging and dealing with the trauma of today while having hope for the future. Mycelium represents the communication and cooperation necessary to move forward.         

Year
2022