For quite some time now, the huge potential of microalgae has been a subject of research in the natural sciences. Nevertheless, the artistic and creative value of this resource remains almost undiscovered. Algaemy explores the potential of microalgae within a creative context. Studio Blond & Bieber (Essi Johanna and Rasa Weber) reveals the aesthetic potential of a resource generally considered as weeds in Europe. Algaemy is an analogue textile printer that produces its own (surprisingly fast-growing) pigment. The ‘biodynamic colour palette’ of Algaemy textiles changes over time when exposed to sunlight. This can be green to intense blue, pale pink to bright red and eventually orange. Every piece of textile tells a story over time. People change - so do textiles.
Microalgae have an incredibly wide range of applications. They provide nutrition, are used in energy and oil production, for filtration and even CO2 absorption. The machine uses this potential to create an autarkic circle of production, which does not require additional energy or material apart from human power and the microalgae itself. In cooperation with the German footwear brand Trippen, Blond & Bieber have produced the first prototype microalgae-printed shoes as well as two outfits with the fashion designer Ylenia Gortana.
