Designer Christopher Bellamy has sought to marry biotechnology and craft in a series of works that combine traditional knowledge from artisans in the Pacific Islands with a new material made from bioluminescent algae.
Titled Lucid Life, or Marama Ora in Tahitian, Bellamy's research project saw him create three different objects ? a drum, a swimsuit and an ornamental neckpiece ? working together with artists and makers on Mo'orea in French Polynesia.
The objects are all made from a material containing living algae that lights up in response to touch or movement, which Bellamy says has the effect of making whoever is using or wearing the objects feel more connected with the natural world.
Christopher Bellamy created objects including a drum in collaboration with Polynesian artisans The British designer describes Mo'orea as home to both a strong Polynesian indigenous population and a uniquely diverse ecosystem, including on the level of microorganisms, that attracts scientists from all over the world.
He first travelled to the island drawn by his interest in sustainability and said he developed ties to the place and people with no project in mind.
However, as a masters student in Biodesign at Central Saint Martins, he soon saw an opportunity to apply this emerging design approach, which involves working with living organisms such as bacteria, fungi or plants and animals, as a way to share knowledge between the scientific and indigenous communities.
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