Microcosmic

We created a welcoming and warm environment where people visiting Lightwaves festival could rest their feet and find out about bacteriophage (or phage for short).

The Microcosmic installation was created by artist Paul Miller with inspiration from ongoing phage research at the Universities of Salford and Liverpool.

Taking us from the microscopic to the infinite vastness of the universe. MicroCosmic is an immersive installation of video, sound and projection-mapped sculpture. Inspired by pioneering scientific research, this immersive installation of video, sound and sculpture will take us on a sensory journey as we are surrounded by the flux of our internal and external realities. Where is the beginning and where is the end?

Find out more HERE

Discovered just over 100 years ago, bacteriophages (phages) are viruses that infect bacteria. They are the most abundant and diverse organisms on Earth, found in both the natural environment and the human body. Their actions underlie the fundamental biology of our planet. Phages have been in a perpetual evolutionary dance with their bacterial hosts for millions of years. With an appearance evocative of a classic sci-fi alien, the phage, this otherworldly creature, is entering and exploring the inner universe of our bodies.

New technologies enable us to discern its influence upon our delicate ecosystem. Just the word virus fills us with apprehension, as does the term alien, bringing forth countless fearful visions of the unknown. But with new research tools and deeper investigation, a more positive outlook is emerging. The Microcosmic installation uses motion sensitive video projection mapping and surround sound to create an immersive environment that is unique to every visitor. This mirrors the awesome diversity of phages.

Read more about our event at Lightwaves HERE

Thinking Bigger to Reach Wider Audiences

For MicroCosmic at the Lightwaves event, we built our biggest phage yet - 1.3m wide! The frame was made by our fab lab creators Ian Currie and Jake Orton in collaboration with Roger McKinley and Paul Miller who designed the footage and projection mapping as well as surround sound for a fully immersive experience

See more of Paul’s work HERE

The structure was installed in our Egg development lab at Salford University’s Media City campus with a black-out tunnel and sounds of breathing to bring the visitors into the MicroCosmic experience. This work was funded by Quays Culture and The University of Salford Research Impact and Public Engagement fund. The overall project was produced by Tamsin Middleton. #techsmakeithappen