Understory I-II-III is a series of three large-scale moss wall artworks of 9m2 each, created for research institute ERIBA in the UMCG.

The project began with the development of scaled drawings, which were then translated into full-size drawings on the boards to create a stick-colored-moss-by-number kind of template. Based on my designs and colour specifications, the preserved moss materials were supplied by an external company.

I got the initial inspiration of creating shapes of the model organisms, used for research, during a pilot project I created at home. I had never heard of or seen this kind of decorative moss and when I first encountered the pillow moss, it immediately reminded me of a budding yeast cell when a large and smaller one are put next to each other. This observation became the starting point for the entire concept creating for each of the three floors: a shape composition of their main used model organism yeast, mamallian cells or microscopic worms.

The three distinctive works, together Understory I-II-III, are therefore also subnamed in:

I. Segment inspired by the cross-section and structure of mammalian cells

II. Ferment inspired by what yeast cells are most known for

III. Movement inspired by the extent of the worms movement as a measure of health

After preparing the full-scale designs, the mosswalls were assembled collaboratively with members of the institute itself. What started as an art commission developed into a creative process, bringing together researchers and staff.

For me, one of the most exciting aspects of the project was the decision to step away from the traditional green colors commonly associated with moss walls. Instead, i used vibrant shades of pink, purple, and blue risking that i would create a environment far away from natural. The reason most moss walls are installed in offices and buildings.

For many people now passing Understory I, II or III in the UMCG this is their first opportunity to experience a large-scale moss installation that embraced such bold colours. A choice that resulted in overwhelming positive responses from visitors and staff.