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PROJECT STATEMENT

Morphology; refers to a branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of an organism or any of its parts. This project, titled Morphology, explores a study into the aesthetic properties of Streptomyces Coelicolor, a strain of natural pigment-producing bacteria. This project is an exploration of the bacteria and its organic shapes and forms as well as its properties when utilised as a textile dye. Through this exploration comes a collection of works that combine to depict this bacteria and highlight its aesthetic potential.  The use of Streptomyces Coelicolor as a textile dye remains a new innovation and requires more research to unlock its range of potential, however, has already been named a sustainable dyeing technique as it doesn’t use harmful chemicals or require large amounts of water and land, unlike other industry dyes. This project works to highlight the beauty and potential of this new technology and raise awareness for new techniques that are currently being explored to create a more sustainable textile industry. Fabric paint and various painting techniques were used to replicate the effect of the bacterial dye whilst the heating and melting of synthetic fabrics were used to imitate the organic form of the bacteria itself. The use of Petri dishes as display vessels acts to highlight the scientific focus of the project and how biology is being used in modern design. Through the creation of both fabric lengths and detailed display pieces, morphology not only demonstrates the beauty of this bacteria as a media and design technique but also its practicality and functionality within the textile and design world.

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