Every Fourth Breath

Research & 360 video installation and food-performance

2024, Helsinki

In collaboration with Hitomi Asaka, Juni Neyenhuys & Aada Teittinen

In this immersive experience, the scales are flipped: diatoms, a little-studied microalgae responsible for generating the oxygen in every fourth breath we take, are magnified to become larger-than-humans.

Special thanks to:
Dr. Sonja Repetti; University of Helsinki;
Alvaro E. Migotto; Center for Marine Biology, University of São Paulo.
Dr. Lara Prelle; University of Rostock,
Dr. Sarah A. Spaulding & Tim Gasperak, Diatoms of North America.

Technical assistance: Rolando Camilo, Alejandro Yllarramendy & Jussi Lohijoki,
Aalto University.

In this immersive experience, the scales are flipped: diatoms, a little-studied microalgae responsible for generating the oxygen in every fourth breath we take, are magnified to become larger-than-humans. This allows us to encounter these microscopic organisms at eye level, engaging with them through a speculative yet research-informed narrative delivered from the diatoms’ perspective.

In this 360-degree screening, humans are invited to witness the incredible diversity, beauty, and power of these normally invisible for human-eyes life forms. The experience incorporates breathing exercises and guided meditation, prompting reflection on the oxygen we consume and the tiny life forms we owe it to.

Designed to stimulate all the senses, this installation features immersive sound and video, tactile interaction with handmade diatom-shaped cushions, a marine-scented diffuser, and even taste. Diatom-inspired popsicles, based on the species Phaeodactylum tricornutum—known for its ability to change shape in different water conditions. The parameters for these different water qualities were translated into flavour spectrums, resulting in a popsicles that shapeshifts and accordingly changes taste while eating.