This work is part of Karlien van Rooyen’s 2024 exhibition, Anamist.

Says Karlien of this work, “Lace Lichen (Ramalina Menziesii) is a combination of fungi and algae that benefit from each other in a symbiotic relationship. It grows up to a meter long, hanging from bark and twigs in a distinctive net-like pattern that’s unlike any other lichen. It’s an important food source for deer in the Coast Range of California and a source of nest material for birds.

“The Kawaiisu people of California use it for its magical properties and place it in water to bring rain and in fire to repel thunder or lightning. Currently Lace Lichen is being studied for its medicinal antibacterial properties and to assist humans in monitoring climate change as they are very sensitive to air quality.”