#10 Mitochronia : Participants : Nicola Rae

'Mitochondrial Resonances' studio experiments in process. 2026

Mitochondrial Resonances is informed by recent research into the effect of light on our mitochondria, which respond actively to red light as infrared radiation. More than half of the solar radiation that passes through our atmosphere to reach the surface of the Earth is infrared. Dr Jeffery’s research has shown that light in the 850 nanometres range found in sunlight improves mitochondrial function, leading to increased human colour visual function (2).

In this work natural sunlight is filtered through a human finger, suffusing the space in tones of warm therapeutic light that benefits our eyes. Research shows that overexposure to screens and LEDs is a health issue and that our environments are becoming “red starved” (Jeffery, 2025). With many thanks to my nephew Luca for his video call, which included modulated play with a finger over the top part of the mobile phone camera lens. This led to using a modulating finger with activated mitochondria as the physical filter for sunlight in this piece.

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. www.sciencedirect.com

2. Jeffery, G. et al (2025) Longer wavelengths in sunlight pass through the human body and have a systematic impact which improves vision. Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London. www.nature.com/scientificreports

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.

Previous commissions include a SPINE artist/scientist collaboration with the astrophysics (Physics) department at Lancaster University to coincide with the National Astronomy Meeting (NAM 2019). International exhibitions include collateral exhibitions at Venice Biennales 2017, 2013 and 2009, Cyberfest 9 (State Hermitage Museum, St Petersburg) 2015, Partial Presence (Zabludowicz Collection) 2015, CUBE 4x4x4 shows (Mannheim) during 2018, 2017, 2012 and 2011.

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. Since 2006 I have worked part time at University of the Arts London in various roles.

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