Microbesinthehome

Although the world of microbes is hidden from our view, we take part in various collaborations with microbes, both inside and outside the body. The average human consists of ca. 30 trillion human cells and 38 trillion microorganisms. In other words, the human body is a product of cooperation between a variety of species. Our cooperation with microbes also occurs outside the body, extending into our homes, for example in composting and sourdough baking.

Although the world of microbes is mostly hidden from our eyes, we still, both consciously and unconsciously, engage in various forms of cooperation with microbes both inside and outside our bodies. It is believed the average human is composed of about 30 trillion human cells and 38 trillion microbes. Thus, one could say that the human body relies on the collaboration of different species. Our cooperation with microbes also occurs outside the body, extending into our homes, for example in the form of composting and sourdough baking.

The exhibition Microbes in the Home is part of the Heimsókn exhibition series at the Museum of Design and Applied Art. It focuses on the collaboration between humans and these tiny household members that can be found in almost every corner of the home. The exhibition sheds light on the diverse microbiome that surrounds us and exists within us; to showcase the different ways we collaborate with microbes in everyday life, and to encourage people to extend their conscious cooperation with microbes in their daily lives. The exhibition also highlights designs where collaboration with microbes takes center stage.

Microbes in the Home is one of the final outputs of the interdisciplinary research project SYMBIOSIS: Human-Microbial Relations in Everyday Life, led by dr. Valdimar Tr. Hafstein. The project, which has been ongoing for the past three years, brings together folklorists, anthropologists, nutrition scientists, and biologists from the University of Iceland and Matís.

The exhibition is done in collaboration with staff members at Museum of Design and Applied Arts, Melta, Matís, Biopol, Ístex, Icelandic Textile Center, Elin Margot, National Museum of Iceland and ICETEC. The research team of SYMBIOSIS: Human-Microbial Relations in Everyday Life are: Áki G. Karlsson, Birna G. Ásbjörnsdóttir, Bryndís Eva Birgisdóttir, Eysteinn Ari Bragason, Helga Ögmundardóttir, Jón Þór Pétursson, Ragnheiður Maísól Sturludóttir, Sandra Smáradóttir, Signý Guðmundsdóttir, Sigurlaug Skírnisdóttir, Valdimar Tr. Hafstein and Viggó Þór Marteinsson.

Curator: Ragnheiður Maísól Sturludóttir

Assistant curator: Elín Arna Kristjánsdóttir

Text: Ingibjörg Sædís