The participatory nature of these sculptures – where audiences breathe with algae, contributing to their growth – embodies a cycle of reciprocity and care. This act transforms spectators into co-creators sharing a responsibility for ecological and social regeneration.
By centering algae as active collaborators rather than passive resources, these works align with Bennett’s (2010) notion of the “vibrant matter,” recognizing the agency of non-human entities in shaping our shared world (p. 8). They also resonate with Haraway’s calls to “stay with the trouble,” urging us to engage in symbiotic, interspecies relationships rather than perpetuate extractive hierarchies (p. 2).
Bennett, J. (2010). Vibrant matter: A political ecology of things. Duke University Press.
Haraway, D. J. (2016). Staying with the trouble: Making kin in the Chthulucene. Duke University Press.
Pt100 / INTERACCESS EXHIBITION FEB 2023
As algae grow, they absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide, converting it into biomass while also producing more than sixty percent of global oxygen (Raven, 2017). I use dried algal biomass as sculptural material while incorporating living algae, transforming each piece into a visible beacon of carbon sequestration.
Spectators exhale carbon dioxide, actively participating in the bioart’s carbon capture processes. Observing algae growth – capable of doubling biomass within 24 hours under ideal conditions (Cheah et al., 2015, p. 194) -cultivates a sense of hope and environmental action. The oxygen produced in situ further alleviates climate anxiety, inspiring healthier, engaged communities.
Raven, J. A. (2017). The possible roles of algae in restricting the increase in atmospheric CO2 and global temperature. European Journal of Phycology, 52(4), 506–522. https://doi.org/10.1080/09670262.2017.1362593
Cheah, W. Y., Show, P. L., Chang, J.-S., Ling, T. C., & Juan, J. C. (2015). Biosequestration of atmospheric CO₂ and flue gas-containing CO₂ by microalgae. Bioresource Technology, 184, 190–201. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biortech.2014.11.026
Pt100 / NUIT BLANCHE EXHIBITION OCT 2022
PROJECT AWARDS AND SCHOLARSHIPS
Bombardier Canada Graduate Scholarship (SSHRC) for thesis research in participatory carbon-capturing bioart and its socioecological impacts. Advisors: Prof. Marissa Largo, Prof. Joel Ong, York University.
Enbridge Graduate Student Award for academic excellence and leadership in researching strategies for implementing bioart and bioconcrete into urban architecture and mobilizing new knowledge to produce positive socioecological impacts. Awarded at York University.
York Sustainability Innovation Award for research into creative approaches to carbon sequestration and climate resilience via participatory bioart and urban algae farming, resulting in the creation of a large-scale algae farm at York University to capture carbon, produce oxygen, and create sustainable algae-based materials for public bioart. Advisor: Mike Layton, Chief Sustainability Officer at York University
Ontario Graduate Scholarship for thesis research in participatory carbon-capturing bioart and its socioecological impacts. Advisors: Prof. Marissa Largo, Prof. Joel Ong, Prof. Brandon Vickerd, York University.
Governor General’s Academic Medal for academic excellence at OCAD University and the highest academic standing in a Bachelor’s degree program.
TEDx SFU Fellowship for researching and implementing the positive socioecological impacts of carbon capturing participatory bioart. The award included four months of leadership and speaker training at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia, and an invitation to present my research and work at a TEDx conference in Vancouver, attended by more than a thousand spectators.
Canada Council for the Arts Award for presenting my bioart research at TEDx SFU conference.
Sir Edmund Walker Award for academic excellence in intermedia art at OCAD University, awarded to an outstanding student pursuing graduate studies. Renewed in 2024.
Newcomer Arts Award for artistic excellence in participatory bioart, awarded by the Toronto Arts Foundation.
InterAccess Media Prize for excellence and innovation in new media practice at OCAD University, including a solo bioart exhibition and a research presentation talk.
Nuit Blanche Award (City of Toronto) included a commission for the Pt100 sculpture and the presentation of my bioart research at a public exhibition in October 2022. Curator: Dr. Julie Nagam.
OCADU Career Launcher Award for excellence and innovation in intermedia practice at OCAD University, included a commission for a bioart piece (Pt200) and presentation at a public exhibition in April 2023.
PROJECT RESEARCH AND PRESENTATIONS
2023 – 2025
York University, Toronto, MFA
Thesis: The Role of Algal Bioart in Carbon-Neutral Future.
Supervisor: prof. Marissa Largo. Committee: Prof. Joel Ong, Prof. Brandon Vickerd.
2021 – 2023
Ontario College of Art and Design University (OCADU), Toronto, BFA
Thesis title: The Book of Waves: Carbon-Capturing Bioart.
Supervisor: Prof. BH Yael. Committee: Prof. Amy Schwartz, Prof. Nina Leo
2023
TEDx SFU Conference. Unmasking the Art of Breathing. Vancouver, CA. https://tinyurl.com/33mbf5zk
Emergence Symposium. Harmonizing Art and Climate Action: Illuminating Pathways to a Sustainable Future, Toronto, CA. https://tinyurl.com/2fp3dwhv
University of Toronto. Reinventing Environmentalism: Living Algae Sculptures, , CA. https://tinyurl.com/2s3z8nv5
2024
Spotify, ArtBeat Podcast. Breathing Life into Art with Algae Sculptures, https://tinyurl.com/jup8fkke
Web Summit/Collision Conference. Impact Showcase: Cleantech Innovation Advancing UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Toronto, CA.
Democracy Xchange Summit. Emerging Leaders: The Power of Young Voices in the Climate Movement, Community Advocacy, and Tech Policy, Toronto, CA. https://tinyurl.com/2ebwhuyf
Behind the Scenes
SYSTEMS EMBEDDED WITHIN THE LIVING SCULPTURES
I engineered a system that employs an array of sensors to monitor and regulate photosynthesis and the exchange of CO₂ and O₂, all integrated with an Arduino microcontroller programmed in C++. These parameters are remotely controlled through a custom-designed phone application, ensuring precise management and interaction with the living system.
CUSTOM MADE MICROCOMPUTERS 2022
© 2025 VLADIMIR KANIC
THE BEST WAY TO PREDICT THE FUTURE IS TO INVENT IT