Flock and Ruminent Blooms are homogenous series of luminesce round balloon like spheres, pieces of hung draping, and light-fittings. Created with preserved sheep stomach, Flock (the larger cluster), is roughly 6′ x 6′, and was exhibited at the Royal College of Art Summer Show and at Design Mart in the Design Museum in 2004. Similarly, Ruminent Blooms are preserved cow stomachs, specifically the rumen. Arranged in an array of display, some of the cow stomachs at blown to expanse and set on a reflective floor encasing light-fittings. The other stomachs were stretch and hung over the light-fittings suspending the draped fabric in air, while others were placed in an upright position with the light fixture from the base at the floor.
Julia Lohmann’s work reflects the idea that we as consumers should have a more conscious mind about our consumption; And that industry as well has the power and responsibility to encourage and facilitate the consumer demand in the design industry. She often uses items that would have been otherwise discarded and presents them in new aesthetically pleasing forms. While some viewers may think she made these for their aesthetic beauty as they appear of a lacey type material, they may also feel a sense of disgust when viewing the pieces once aware of the true medium used. The works Flocks and Ruminent Blooms are a collective example of Lohmann’s theorem as it has produced a functional and beautiful design while also utilizing a wasted resource.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Julia_Lohmann
https://labiotech.eu/lohmann-bioart-julia-algae-petri-dishes/
http://www.ifitshipitshere.com/julia-lohmanns-headless-bovine-benches/
Tessa Ecker 