Vodník of Slough

The concept draws upon the myth of vodník, a water spirit who lives in streams, ponds, and swamps. The project would be multiple public sculptures made up of mycelium that would decompose slowly. The project was inspired by České Budějovice's emphasis on myths and legends as well as the scientific support from the Department of Aquatic Microbial Ecology focused on those that support freshwater ecosystems. The sculptures would be more abstract compared to a humanoid figure, connecting themes of mythology to microbiology. The use of fungi is intended as an artistic investigation of regulating greenhouse gas emissions through mycological methods within and around bodies of water as well as other diverse ecosystems where the sculptures could be hosted. The mycelium sculpture simultaneously acts as a host to microorganisms unseen by human eyes. The influence of the mythology of vodník would be an opportunity to explore regional legends and the allegories between myth and ecologies.