The fantastical living landscapes of AUSGANG Studio

Understanding the complexities of our world today can feel overwhelming. How do we envision the future amid such turmoil? Is there still room for hope, or are we resigned to impending doom? These are the questions that haunt AUSGANG Studio. By combining art, technology, and nature, they conjure objects that tell stories of our world's trajectories.

Drawing inspiration from neural networks and emergent organisms, they often use discarded cables and electronic waste, alongside organic elements like live mushrooms and algae to construct their fantastical landscapes. Because mycelium, a fibrous network of fungi, is not just for mushrooms anymore. It's a versatile material that can be used to create everything from insulation to furniture. In the hands of artists, mycelium becomes a medium for sculpture.

"Bio-Core is a series of light objects submerged in liquid, each crafted using bio-materials like mycelium and bio-plastics."

Dranga and Zelina prove this in their project Bio-Core, a series of light objects submerged in liquid, each crafted using mycelium and bio-plastics. The objects embody a haunting reflection of our modern world, where technology and nature co-exist in harmony, struggle, or something in between.

Dranga and Zelina explore themes of environmentalism, technological progress, and the delicate balance between humanity and nature. From dystopian visions of a world overrun by technology to hopeful glimpses of a harmonious coexistence between man and machine.

"Overgrown with moss, algae, and coral, these monsters serve as a stark reminder of humanity's impact on nature."

In Awaken Monsters, a series of sculptures are created from electronic waste, and live organisms. Overgrown with moss, algae, and coral, these monsters give thought to humanity's impact on nature. Awaken Monsters shows a future where nature adapts to human technology remnants, giving life to creatures from waste materials.

Dranga and Zelina also want to make us think about how our actions affect the world. Terra Apathy narrates the tragic tale of Horné Opatovce, a village devastated by an ecological catastrophe stemming from the construction of an aluminum smelter in Žiar nad Hronom. Established in the 10th century, the village faced horrible consequences after the plant's construction in 1950, leading to the demise of flora, fauna, and human health. Despite residents' complaints, governmental action was lacking until the village's forced closure in 1969. Only a few families remained, showing the toll of industrial progress on communities and the environment.

"For AUSGANG Studios telling stories, like the fate of Horné Opatovce, is important."

For AUSGANG Studios telling stories, like the fate of Horné Opatovce, is important. Terra Apathy warns us about the dangers of choosing development over taking care of the environment. By shedding light on both optimistic and bleak narratives, they offer a nuanced reflection of reality.

Because it's not all doom and gloom. Dranga and Zelina show hope and inspiration too. Their work also suggests a future where both the organic and the synthetic can live peacefully. It highlights the enduring strength of nature and its capacity for regeneration, even when facing challenges.

Their work also suggests a future where both the organic and the synthetic can live peacefully.

This symbiotic relationship between humanity and the environment, injects a sense of optimism into AUSGANG's stories. Their art inspires hope by showing a world where technological advancements harmonize with environmental conservation, helping us to reconsider our relationship with nature and technology.