Inspired by scientific research towards using mycelium as an economically viable material, the research project How To Negotiate With A Material sheds light on the protocols of power and control that come to play when using another living being for the production of a good.

Fungal mycelium is increasingly being used as an ecologically friendly alternative to conventional materials in packaging and construction. The research project How to negotiate with a material, traces the process of putting organic matter to scientific and economic use. To be seen are the results of artistic experiments with mycelium, such as dried Reishi mushrooms growing from paper waste, animated 3D-scans of moulding fungi as well as materials utilized in the cultivation process: FFP2-masks, latex gloves, syringes. By examining the imposition of human needs and expectations towards the mycelium throughout the experiments, the project sheds light on the protocols of power and control that come into play when using another living being for the production of a good.