TerraPort

Advances in space technology rest on the premises informing our understanding of both interstellar space and life on Earth. Inspired by the latest efforts in astrobiology and by the prototypes for terraforming the planets envisaged for future human settlement, the artist developed a machine for automated Martian regolith terraforming. Soybean (Glycine max) as a model organism is planted in the regolith and watered with an organic substnce of dried menstrual blood. Inside the regolith, travelling on a conveyor belt, the organic and mineral substances gradually decompose, transforming it into a substrate that can sustain microorganism and plant life. TerraPort is the first in a series of projects driven by experiencing the fragility of a planet in a deep ecological crisis. In it, the artist uses her entire female body to contribute to fertility initiatives for future interplanetary civilisations.

Credits: 

Concept and execution: Dorotea Dolinšek 
Curator: Jurij Krpan 
Producer: Sandra Sajovic 
Biotech support: Kristijan Tkalec 
Construction: Jože Zajc 
Programming and 3D modeling: Jakob Grčman 
Glass design: Zvonko Drobnič 
Technical support: Simon Gmajner, Jure Sajovic, Barbara Sušnik 
Thanks to: Marko Flajšman, PhD – University of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Faculty (SI) 
Produced by: Kersnikova Institute / Kapelica Gallery (SI) 
Supported by: Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Slovenia, City of Ljubljana (SI)