Cultivation in Motion (2. homework assignment)

As preparation for the upcoming semester, each student received a Kombucha culture. Kombucha is a fermented drink made from sweetened, caffeinated tea and a so-called SCOBY (Symbiotic Culture of Bacteria and Yeast). Within a few days, this living culture forms a layer of pure bacterial cellulose on the surface of the liquid.

The task was to develop an installation using this living culture – something fascinating, seemingly simple, and subtly surprising, while making the process of cellulose growth visible over time. This experimental approach served as an entry point into the semester’s theme: Cultivation in Motion.

The projects were created independently at home and showcased a wide range of ideas. One installation explored how different light conditions affect the growth of the culture. Another student cultivated the SCOBY in the shape of a face mask. One project used capillary action in strings to gradually mix Kombucha and water kefir, guiding the liquid into various containers. Another used a transducer to constantly transmit vibrations to the vessel, attempting to visualize sound waves in the growing culture. One experiment tested what happens when the SCOBY is cut off from surface oxygen by a layer of oil, and instead receives oxygen through a pump from below.

It was particularly inspiring to see how uniquely each student approached the assignment. Each installation reflected individual interests, thought processes, and methods. The task offered a simple, low-threshold yet inspiring introduction – full of creative potential and curiosity – engaging students conceptually and creatively before the semester even began.