Electric Algae

For several years now, Samuel Tomatis has been carrying out research based on the green algae that invade the beaches. These algae accumulate and create polluting and toxic organic matter. Like an alchemist of eutrophication, Tomatis is investigating how to transform this waste into a positive and sustainable resource. Pablo Bras' research focuses on residential suburbs and the flows, materials and energies present in these areas: why not capture them and turn a gutter, for example, into an energy source?

The exhibition Electric Algae takes stock of two design research projects that have little in common, apart from the lucidity of two creators in the face of the “here and now”, and their ability to generate futures from past mistakes.

Exhibition Opening: 27.10.2023 - 5 pm

Updated information:
Due to the weather conditions in the Porto region, the works by Samuel Tomatis planned as part of the Algas Elétricas exhibition at the Marques da Silva Foundation cannot be shown to the public.

The Alga project was born out of phenomena linked to climate change. Produced entirely from seaweed, an organic and biodegradable material, the works are currently subject to exceptional levels of humidity in inadequate conservation conditions, which deform and damage them.

Instead, the designer will present two videos, a diptych made in collaboration with video artist Lucas Bonnel, which traces the process of transforming this biomass into different types of materials with fascinating properties and aesthetics, a radical ecological approach on the border between science and design.

+ info
Fundação Instituto Arquitecto José Marques da Silva
Praça Marquês de Pombal, nº30-44, 4000-390, Porto
Monday to Saturday
14:00 — 18:00