Cripto-Mitologías Húmedas

As a strategy to address the problem of water scarcity, there has been growing interest in recent years in the use of microbial fuel cells as technologies for sustainable water treatment. These devices enhance the activity of electroactive bacteria (EAB), which, through their metabolic processes, can remove organic pollutants from water and transform them into electrical current, leaving low concentrations of nutrients in the effluent. Are there other ways to connect with these bacteria, which can go beyond their instrumentalization as bioremediation devices? This quest is embodied in Holy Bacter DAO*, a club of cyberconspirators who have come to believe that, when combined with mysticism, ritual practices and imagination, Web 3.0 technologies can be powerful mechanisms for activating multispecies alliances.

The event comprises an exhibition showcasing the working group's processes; a panel discussion that will critically analyze the potentialities and dangers of Nature 3.0, the codification of non-monetary relationships through DAOs, and the deployment of smart contracts as algorithmic rituals. Finally, there will be a performance that will share with the public songs, choreographies and an interactive piece developed as a communication strategy with electroactive bacteria.

*Holy Bacter DAO is a working group of Medialab Matadero formed as a result of the research residency located 2022 of Carla Alcalà Badias "Wet Crypto-Mythologies". Members: Esther Rizo, Lara Vanney, Natalia Recalde, Javier Torres, Tico Fuentes and Carla Alcalà Badias. Main collaborators: Paula Valiente, Laura Guerrero, Josep Matés and María José Salar.