Estuary installation at Fluid Matter exhibition showcases fluorescent algae bio art

On show as part of Fluid Matter, the Estuary installation is a fluorescent delight. The gallery explains the inspiration behind the vibrant piece: "Estuaries are transition zones between fresh water and saltwater environments. The inflows of both seawater and freshwater provide high levels of nutrients in the water, making these areas extremely productive natural habitats. With sixty per cent of mankind living alongside estuaries, the anthropogenic influence on their biology is considerable.

"Estuary forces saline and freshwater fluids together in a closed climate. As the present saltwater organisms battle decay due to their hostile environment, an abundance of freshwater life originates from its forced death. What’s visible is the colourful behaviour of living organisms struggling to manage a situation influenced, or even orchestrated by man."

All of the hues are fully natural, with the installation constantly changing colour thanks to the decaying algae and thriving microbes. The algae have been harvested from the former Dutch estuary Oosterschelde – famous for its storm surge barrier.

Alongside Estuary, an installation entitled Genesis explores the colour properties of extremophiles – microbes that can survive or even thrive under extreme conditions.

The Fluid Matter Exhibition, curated by William Myers & Angelique Spaninks, is now on at MU Artspace, Eindhoven. It runs until February 23rd. For more information, visit www.mu.nl.