2024 / installation & performance

In the darkness, Luciferine stages an unlikely encounter between humans and Photobacterium ANT 2200, a bioluminescent bacterium from the deep sea, at a depth of over 2,000 metres.

Flowing through a transparent sculptural instrument, the bacterial fluid reveals its light and activates analogue synthesisers as it moves through a network of contact sensors. Its circulation and variations thus become the driving force behind a sound composition that unfolds in real time. Serving as a true habitat for these abyssal bacteria, the sculptural instrument provides them with the conditions necessary for their bioluminescence to express itself. The work allows the viewer to see and hear a microscopic form of life which, in the dim light, seeks to flourish and reveal itself.

concept, composition, performance :
Thomas Laigle

artistic collaboration :
Lyllie Rouvière, Tsirihaka Harrivel

construction and collaboration on technical implementation :
Lou Force

glassblower :
Éric Pedditzi

scientific support :
Laurie Casalot, Gwenola Simon (MIO / IRD / amU), Corinne Vallette (MIO), Marcel Koken (Labocea), microalgae epigenomics team (US2B)

production :
Lueurs Soniques

production manager :
Louise Simon

Thanks to :
Jérémie Brugidou, Frédéric Mancini, Clément Rouil, Mickaël Tamimy, Alexis Choplain, Ulysse Bouët, Thierry Botti, Anna Faber, Olivia McGregor

Created in coproduction with CHRONIQUES CRÉATIONS

In coproduction with Station Mir, GMEM, Stereolux, SOMA.
With support from CNAP, Centre national des arts plastiques.
Laureate project of the Enowe-Artagon 2023 artistic production fund.

picture credits : Sébastien Normand, Grégoire Édouard, Romain Charrier, Clara Orozco