TETE (Tree Energy Translator Empath)
Materials:
Silk, linen, cotton, merino wool, optic fibre, leather, aluminium, ECG sensor, microelectronics
Concept:
TETE is a wearable device to visualise the electrochemical language that trees use to communicate. Trees chat by sending chemical, hormonal, and slow pulsing electrical signals through a network of fungi that connects their roots. They use this network to share nutrients and send warning signals about pests and diseases. Trees work together as communities to increase their resilience.
The wearable is woven with optic fibre embedded between stripes of cotton, linen, silk and wool. An ECG (electromyography) sensor is connected to the leaves of the tree, and the wearable devise translates the electrochemical signalling in a visible light array.
Exhibitions:
• Landrelations, Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, Booragul NSW Australia 1 Aug – 30 Oct 2025
• New Perceptions of Technology-Exhibition of Contemporary Experimental Crafts, China Academy of Art Crafts Museum, Hangzhou, China, 9-25 October 2023
Publications:
• Patricia Flanagan and Runzhi Xue, After the digital – re-materialising digital ecologies of craft, International Symposium of Electronic Art 2024, Brisbane, 21 Jun 2024 – 26 Jun 2024. International Symposium of Electronic Art 2024. 21 Jun 2024
Thanks:
Mitch Brown (electronics)
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Council, its arts funding and advisory body.