Where Dogs Run: Kerosene Chronicles: Fungus

Kerosene fungus and robots work together to create a new ecosystem where the smell of fuel becomes a language of communication.

The kerosene fungus is a technophilic organism that lives in fuel tanks and uses the consequences of the Anthropocene to its evolutionary advantage. During metabolism, the fungus alters the smell of the fuel it inhabits, which is the starting point for creating chemical communication between bio- and cyber-organisms. Based on the smell of the fuel, the robots establish relationships with each other, which change according to sensor data on the response of the fungus (pH, gas analysis, kerosene level).

When two robots with matching strategies meet, one robot can join the other and take its kerosene (one gives, the other takes). The possibility of matching or mismatching strategies makes communication within the group more difficult and therefore unpredictable. This allows us to view the functioning of mushroom machines as a type of social interaction. 

The exhibition will be on show at Xcenter until 31 May 2025.

Registration for the event is available at: vita.matjac@kersnikova.org