German-born designer and researcher Julia Lohmann creates projects that ask us to actively engage with the life of animals and plants. Her work with kelp and seaweed proposes alternative use of resources for the built environment and adds to a critical conversation around sustainable materials. In 2013, Lohmann established the Department of Seaweed, as a way of exploring the marine organisms’ versatility in design. Lohmann presents seaweed as something valuable, embracing its translucence and transformative qualities in her organically shaped works that seem to grow out of the surrounding architecture.

Corpus Maris I was commissioned by the Biennale of Sydney with generous support from the Goethe-Institut Australia and generous assistance from Frame Finland. It was realised in collaboration with Shane Hunt and Shimroth Thomas.

Text: Aalto University / 23rd Biennale of Sydney: Rivus

Photo: Shimroth Thomas

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