Investigation of the Solid State

Investigation of the solid state is a continuation of the research into bio-ceramic implants simulations and skeletal metamorphosis in humans caused by pathological conditions such as inflammation and heterotopic ossification. Steinvåg investigates the pathological phenomena of calcification of calcium phosphate in humans and the role of bacteria in this process; a metamorphosis of physical forms caused by (nano)bacteria in decalcification and recalcifications processes. 



Ancient (nano)bacteria, cofounders of life generate formations of calcium phosphate crystals, seemingly causing numerous pathological conditions in humans. Since bacteria play an important role in pathogenesis, the mechanism that causes disease, we could better approach disease from a less human centred point of view. Could pathological processes be reversed through a technical reconditioning of the biological? This project investigate theoretically, practically and visually, ideas around medical reconstruction of the body and its capacity to regenerate itself if enhanced by bacteria. Focussing on the body from its surface to deeper structures, ancient animate and inanimate material processes morph right at the core of our being.



Steinvåg is interested in the future body where bacterial implants reconstruct the body as an integral part of nature. Bacteria play an important role in pathogenesis, the mechanism of imbalance that causes disease. Investigation of the solid state investigate the role of bacteria in pathological calcification and the metamorphosis of physical forms in these calcification processes. Why do bacteria calcify? Can a catalyst for human disease be utilised as symbiotic living implant supporting the body’s capacity of regenerating itself.



During the research period at the BioArtLaboratories Steinvåg experimented the scaffolds of bio-ceramic simulations as a structure for bacterial growth. As a participant at the Banff Centre of the Arts and Creativity Body as Site residency program she continued investigating pathogenesis and a Bone China porcelain composite with similar properties as osteoporosis in bone and simulation of an injectable bacterial substance to regenerate bone growth. 



The results of the residencies BioArtLaboratories Talent Pressure Cooker Program and Banff Centre of the Arts and Creativity Body as Site were presented at the Dutch Design Week 2017 as a part of the BioArtLaboratories Lost in Transformation exhibition and Homeostatic Tension solo exhibition at Temporary Art Centre in Eindhoven.

The research was supported with a contribution from the Mondriaan Fund, the Banff Centre of Art scholarship and Creativity and Mary E. Hofstetter Funds of Excellence in the Arts scholarship.