PROTOCOGNITION — The Arts Exhibition and Performances
4 October – 8 October 2023, Bristol Â
Gallery Space, The Island, Bridewell Street, Bristol BS1 2QD
Open hours: 4 October – 1700-2100.  5-6 October – 1200-2100. 7 October – 1300-2100. 8 October – 1200-1800
organised by Bristol Art Gallery and Unconventional Computing Lab UWE Bristol
Under aegis of EC H2020 projects COGITOR and FUNGATERIA and the EPSRC project Computing with Proteinoids
Step into this captivating art exhibition, where scientists and artists join forces to unveil the mesmerising microcosms of our world. Here, you’ll explore astonishing creations that dive deep into the unseen realms. Behold the breathtaking nano-brains, forged from thermal proteins, as they dance before your eyes. Marvel at the intricate architectures of mycelium networks, weaving a tapestry of life beneath our feet. Witness the enchanting co-cultures of fungi and bacteria, engaging in a delicate microbial ballet. Delve into the secret language of fungi, a cryptic code of nature’s whispers. Watch in awe as swarms of soldier crabs move in orchestrated harmony, showcasing the beauty of collective intelligence. Finally, immerse yourself in the enigmatic world of colloids, where matter becomes a canvas for ingenious artistry. Join us on this extraordinary journey, where science meets art to reveal the hidden wonders of our universe.
Exhibitions:  Antoni Gandia: Fungal skin for Terminator. Jindra Jehu: Fungal sculptures. Ugnius Bajarunas: Android controlled by fungi — The Performance. Christina Stadlbauer: Microscopy of mycelium networks. Panagiotis Mougkogiannis: Proteinoid nanobrains.   Anna Nikolaidou: Intrinsic structure of kombucha thinking.  Irina Petrova: Fungal intelligence and Lenin and Jesus as fungi. EMPA: Semiconductor photoelectrode. Yuta Nishiyama: Soldier crabs. Alessandro Chiolerio: Ferrofluid bubble. Tommy Wood: Space networks. Lynn Hyun Kieffer and Jakob Sieder-Semlitsch. Fungal highways. Genaro Martinez & colleagues: Cellular automata worlds. Elise Elsacker: Self-healing of fungal living leather-like materials. Jara Saluena Martin: From mushroom to mycelium material.
Public talks and performances: Ugnius Bajaranus: Android controlled by fungi — The Performance. Dan Nicolau: Bacterial intelligence. Andy Adamatzky: Language of fungi and proteinoids — Sonification. Konrad Szaciłowski: Do machines understand music?  Alessandro Chiolerio: The cyberforest experiment. Genaro Martinez Swarms of tiny robots show choreographic skills?
Curator Irina Petrova Adamatzky (Director of Bristol Art Gallery)
Scientific advisers  Prof Andrew Adamatzky (UWE Bristol), Prof. Konrad Szaciłowski (AGH University Krakow), Prof. Alessandro Chiolerio (IIT Genoa), Anna Nikolaidou (UWE Bristol)
Contact:Â andrew.adamatzky@uwe.ac.uk