Cryptographic Beings
Cryptographic Beings is an art installation that stores digital data in living algae. The work consists of thirty vegetal bits, each one a glass vessel holding filamentous algae. Photosynthesis produces gas vesicles, so the algae float in light and sink in darkness. Each floating or sinking state represents a digital zero or one, and the installation can store a five letter word. Motorized robotic arms control the light reaching every vessel, and a custom colour sensor reads each state. The machine runs autonomously for months during an exhibition.
Cryptographic Beings Artwork by Michael Sedbon was selected as an exceptional example of communication design by the A' Design Award. Cryptographic Beings Artwork was awarded the Silver A' Design Award in Installation Design in 2023. The A' Interactive, Experiential and Immersive Design Installations Award is an international, jury-voted, fair and ethical design prize that rewards superior design of sculptural installations, light installations, sound installations, digital installations, kinetic installations, Site-Specific installations, interactive installations, performance installations and more.
