Nestled in the thickets of bushes and trees, a group of curious figures resemble a variety of fungi. Created by Riitta Ikonen and photographed on film Annie Collinge (formerly) the symbiotic project aims to nurture the relationship between humans and fungal species.
Disguised as human-sized mushrooms, a group of models rest on leafy forest floors, sprouting past green tufts and standing upright against fallen tree trunks that would serve as homes for their respective species. Each elaborate costume is made from recycled materials, reinforcing the project’s nod to sustainable connection with our environment.
Ikonen’s relationship with fungi stems from her early childhood foraging. “Our whole family had been in the woods for ages as children, and it didn’t take long before we realized we were going to stay until all the baskets were filled,” she says.
You can find more of Ikonen on her website And Instagramwhile she is currently working on the upcoming Nakanojo Biennale in Japan and the continuation of the 13-year Eyes as big as dinner plates series with Karoline Hjorth. Make sure you keep Collinge informed website And Instagramalso.
