ATAKA FUNGUS (2024)

The installation at the Lithuanian National Drama Theatre explores the kingdom of fungi and is created applying sustainable methods. Fungi, being among the first organisms of evolution, not only have survived to this day but also continually evolve and adapt. Researchers from various fields, from medicine to space technology, are turning to fungi. Fungi also plays an important role in finding solutions to various ecological problems.

The main character of the "ATAKA FUNGUS" installation is a growing and evolving fungus, engaged in a dialogue with non-organic materials created by recycling waste, that was collected specifically for the research. It’s a living, growing, changing, and disappearing spatial installation.

"At first, I thought I was trying to understand fungi, now it seems that fungi are teaching me," says Paulius Markevičius.

Photographs: Martynas Norvaišas / Vismantė Ruzgaitė

Consulting with scientists and exploring modern and developing methods of using fungi in various life domains, the artist created a symbolic space in the theater. The installation - a space of experience - is formed as a paraphrase of stopped time, in which interweaving fungi in the forms of mycelium, fungal threads, and fruiting bodies remind us of the nature and power of organic matter. Here, growing and grown fungi exist in dialogue with artificial materials. Each of them creates an original scenario for further improvement, environmental exploration, and adaptation opportunities.

Author and creator Paulius Markevičius

Science consultant Matas Gavenauskas

Premiere 2024 01 10, Lithuanian National Drama Theatre, Vilnius