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Slime Trace

Phasarum polycephalum and oatmeal on agar,
dish of plexi on steel base
36" diameter x 40" h
1996

The slime mold Physarum polycephalum was used to make dot-to-dot drawings using oatmeal. This slime mold loves to eat oatmeal and can sense it if it's no more than three inches away. It will make a straight line for the flakes, allowing drawings to be made.

This piece was commissioned by the Exploratorium for Turbulent Landscapes: the natural forces that shape our world . The exhibit ran for nearly six months, and a new drawing was made just about every eight days.