Ophiocordyceps Unilateralis, more commonly known as “zombie fungus,” is a tropical fungi that infects the minds of insects, commonly ants. An ant ingests the fungus spore, which enters the brain and manipulates the ant. The infected ant is forced to climb up a plant or tree until it reaches the proper height and temperature for the fungus’s reproduction. The ant then crawls onto the underside of a leaf, clamps its mandibles into the plant, and is killed by the fungus. The fungus grows a stalk out of the ant’s body, where it can rain down spores on other unsuspecting ants to repeat the cycle. 

Eww…but also fascinating? I was inspired by the shape, movement, and textural juxtaposition of the mind-controlling fungi. This handwoven tapestry uses natural rope in the base fabric, which retains its coiled shape even after weaving. These strands of woven rope emerge, but are ultimately wrangled back into the piece, highlighting the struggle for freedom and inevitable demise.