Ánima: Bact-wards

Edson Reyna and Luis Fernando Contreras Valtierra (Mexico)

How can we develop new dialogues between humans and microorganisms?

Through biotechnology, computer science and music, Ánima seeks to explore new communication systems between humans and non-humans to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity.

The third chapter of Ánima, Bact-wards, is a social experiment that investigates the communication channels between the Tecnológico de Monterrey’s community and the microbial ecosystems that inhabit their bodies. 

Using augmented reality and information tools, the installation detects and translates morphological and environmental data from a series of bacterial cultures into musical properties such as melody, harmony and rhythm, as well as into audiovisual pieces. What you hear is just a generative exercise that exposes our differences through the sound of their microbiomes, inviting us to reflect on our bodies and biologies.