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AetherLens - BioFilm & BioCamera
Graduate Project of CSM MA BIODESIGN
AetherLens explores a new form of photography that uses living materials as a “photographic surface,” proposing an alternative to traditional image-making systems reliant on chemical film and developing processes. While preserving the experiential qualities of photography—such as waiting, emergence, and uncertainty—the project rethinks image formation through a more sustainable approach.
In this system, photosensitive microorganisms are used as the imaging medium, translating coded light into biological images. The camera is reimagined as a bioreactor, where illumination, time, and microbial growth are intertwined. Rather than capturing an image instantly, the image gradually develops through microbial processes, emerging as the organisms respond to light. In this way, the image becomes a biological record of light within the macro world. These images exist within a different temporal scale—what can be understood as non-human time. Within this process, AetherLens creates a dialogue between human intention and microbial behaviour, where time is no longer simply recorded, but grown. The system shifts photography from an act of capture to a continuous process of generation, in which time, perception, and authorship are no longer solely human.
In this system, photosensitive microorganisms are used as the imaging medium, translating coded light into biological images. The camera is reimagined as a bioreactor, where illumination, time, and microbial growth are intertwined. Rather than capturing an image instantly, the image gradually develops through microbial processes, emerging as the organisms respond to light. In this way, the image becomes a biological record of light within the macro world. These images exist within a different temporal scale—what can be understood as non-human time. Within this process, AetherLens creates a dialogue between human intention and microbial behaviour, where time is no longer simply recorded, but grown. The system shifts photography from an act of capture to a continuous process of generation, in which time, perception, and authorship are no longer solely human.
The project began with an exploration of traditional darkroom photography, focusing on the fundamental process of image formation. Through experiments with light control, masking techniques, and the timing of development, the ways in which an image gradually emerges under specific conditions were closely observed. Alongside this, pinhole cameras and viewfinders were constructed to investigate the optical principles of photography — from the path of light and methods of image formation to the mechanisms of observation and framing. In this process, the act of making was treated as part of the image itself, becoming an essential dimension of the work. Throughout these experiments, image-making revealed itself as a process that is not entirely controllable. Small variations often affected the final outcome, and these moments of deviation became a key source of inspiration. This gradually shifted the project from image capture toward an engagement with time, process, and uncertainty.
Bio - Film
Microbial Image Formation
Biological image formation is explored through photosensitive microbial systems. Captured images are first translated into abstract contour patterns, which act as a structural guide for microbial response, leading to two contrasting image-making approaches. One approach is based on light-driven growth. Under natural sunlight, microorganisms remain active and gradually form images over time, shaped by environmental conditions and biological processes. The image emerges slowly, unfolding through growth. In contrast, another approach employs UV light to selectively suppress biological activity. Image clarity is achieved through the contrast between active and inactive areas, introducing a higher level of control and precision.
Together, these approaches form a spectrum between growth and control — from gradual emergence to deliberate intervention. This contrast raises questions around authorship, manipulation, and the ethical boundaries of working with living systems. In both cases, patterned masks or moulds are used to guide image formation, translating light into visible biological images.
Growth — Light-Driven Imaging
Different algae systems were explored to investigate image formation through growth under light. Images gradually emerge over time, shaped by biological response rather than precise control. As a result, edges tend to appear soft and diffused, with forms influenced by environmental conditions and inherent unpredictability.
Control — UV-Based Response Colour
Bacterial systems demonstrate a much faster response, with visible changes often appearing within a day. Compared to algae, the resulting images exhibit sharper edges and more defined structures, offering higher clarity and legibility.
Extension — CMYK System
A CMYK-inspired logic is introduced to explore multi-channel biological image formation. Different colour systems are cultivated separately and later combined, allowing images to be constructed through layered processes and extending biological imaging from monochrome to multi-colour expression.
Image Formation — Open Outcome
These systems do not fully follow predefined instructions. The final image remains unknown until it gradually reveals itself — much like instant photography. If left undisturbed, the organisms continue to grow beyond the initial boundaries, expanding outward and eventually dissolving the image into forms no longer defined by human intention.
Camera System — How is a biological image formed?
To explain how the system operates, AetherLens is structured into three interconnected components. The first is a replaceable living chamber, designed to store different microorganisms. Functioning similarly to an ink cartridge, it allows the system to be reloaded and adapted with different biological media. The second is the light translation system, where visual information from the external environment is captured and converted into programmed LED signals. This stage translates optical input into a form that can be interpreted by living organisms. The third is the bio-film surface, where microorganisms respond to these light signals. Through growth and biological activity, patterns gradually emerge, forming images over time.
Material Booklet
Additional System — Archive & Interface
To reconnect the system back to the narrative of time, an additional reading and archive station is introduced. The bio-film can be scanned, allowing patterns of growth to be recorded and translated into data. This layer extends the system beyond image formation, transforming each image into a temporal record of biological activity. The station also functions as an educational interface, making the process of bio-film generation visible and accessible, while creating a point of interaction within an exhibition context.
To reconnect the system back to the narrative of time, an additional reading and archive station is introduced. The bio-film can be scanned, allowing patterns of growth to be recorded and translated into data. This layer extends the system beyond image formation, transforming each image into a temporal record of biological activity. The station also functions as an educational interface, making the process of bio-film generation visible and accessible, while creating a point of interaction within an exhibition context.
Material Booklet
Work in Progress — Process & Documentation
unfolding over time through living processes
forming its own narrative