#10 Mitochronia : Participants : Nicola Rae

'Mitochondrial Resonances' studio experiments in process. 2026

Our mitochondria respond actively to red light as infrared radiation (1). More than half of the solar radiation that passes through our atmosphere to reach the surface of the Earth is infrared. Red LEDs also improve mitochondrial function and ATP production in our cells and they are increasingly used as light therapy (2). In this work natural sunlight is filtered through the human hand suffusing the space in tones of warm light.

With many thanks to my nephew Luca for his video call, which included play with fingers over the camera lens, inspiring this piece.

(this work is in process and will develop during its time in the gallery space)

Research referred to:
1. Arranz-Paraiso et al. (2023) Mitochondria and Light: an overview of the pathways triggered in skin and retina with incident infrared radiation.
2. Jeffery, G. et al (2025) Longer wavelengths in sunlight pass through the human body and have a systematic impact which improves vision

My interdisciplinary art practice engages with an expanded field of experiments through investigating scientific processes, phenomena and environmental change. Sonic visualisation, acoustic equivalence, sonification and feedback loops of acoustic synthesisation have all been included in recent experiments.

Collaborating with scientists and their research data has become an important part of my practice both as an artist and as a curator. During 2022 - 2023, I co-curated SPACE Lab [co-creative art astronomy experiments] with astrophysicist Ulrike Kuchner in a year long process of artist-scientist collaborations including workshops with local schools. This was funded by the Science & Technologies Facilities Council and Lewisham Creative Change. Collectively initiating and co-curating exhibitions with others has led to encouraging longer development and set up times that allow for on-site experimentation.

My art practice has been based at the Art in Perpetuity Trust, APT Studios, Deptford since 1995. More recent studies have included an MA in Contemporary Art Theory at Goldsmiths (2009-11), and an MA Art & Design Education at the Institute of Education (2006-8). As a member of the Digital Maker Collective, I co-developed collaborative workshops at TATE EXCHANGE: Tate Modern during 2017, 2018 and 2019.

Website: https://www.nicolarae.co.uk/