Slow Koon
Fascinated by the world of fungi, and the complex yet beautiful working systems of the Mycelium network, I was keen on creating awareness about the deep world underneath a mushroom. 'Koon' is the Malayalam word for mushroom, I termed this series 'Slow Mushroom'.
I decided to jump on the hype train of AI generated art to come up with some visuals that surprised myself for some interesting story telling.
Mushrooms are the visible fruiting bodies of the Mycelium. Mycelium being the underground internet-like network of mushroom threads responsible for passage of information.
My scientist friend told me that it is possible for a tree to transfer nutrients to another nutrient deficient tree through the mycelium. That information made me question what it would be like if the human species could live in conjunction with mycelium. I pictured mycelium bringing the human species closer to nature and make us appreciate our surroundings in a way we never imagined.
1) The Mushroom Movement
A wave of mushroom inspiration goes over the metropolitans. Attempts to replicate the visual form of a mushroom through fashion, design and technology. People interested in learning about how fungi function, also to have a central hub for all human information.
2) Evolving with fungi
The mushroom turns into a symbol of cultural significance for people around the world. An image of greater knowledge and interconnectedness linked to the mushroom.
3) Reconnecting to spirit
A movement that directs the human species to look inwards, away from the material progression and towards the infinite and continuous nature of life.
I started to draw over and around some of the visuals I generated, and soon my first 'commercial' series of mushroom graphics was ready to be on sale.
My Grandma (Ammachi) turned into the 'brand ambassador' of this project.
Through this project, for the first time I was able to create a relation with my patrons and those looking to support my art practice. A new personal experience using immediately available tools to be more efficient with the design and marketing process.