Soil Skinships:
more-than-human fertility

The state of our soil today reflects our current societal values and reveals a concerning reality: most of it is destroyed. This destruction stems from practices rooted in histories of patriarchy and colonialism, which have reduced soil fertility to a singular capitalist goal: to produce. Degradation from pollution, pesticides, and plastics not only harms the soil but also affects our own health and fertility. By consuming produce from such soil, we directly incorporate these conditions into our bodies. This future scenario asks the question: can we redefine our relationship with the soil to alter our societal and planetary interactions?

In this future scenario, a shift in human consciousness redefines our connection with the soil through ‘skinship’. It signifies a departure from the Anthropocene era towards a more harmonious coexistence among human, non-human, and more-than-human entities. This concept becomes tangible with a ritualistic wearable that merges ancient henna traditions—a practice rich with symbols of fertility, strength and protection—with modern technology. This integration allows for an electrical circuit of henna mixed with conductive ink applied directly onto the skin. Sensors on the inside of the hand measure the soil's nutrients. Vital data is then translated into a visual language of near-infrared light emitted by LEDs on the back of the hand. The glow from the LEDs serves a dual purpose: it not only provides a visual representation of the soil's condition but also supports the reproductive health of both the land and the wearer.

These wearables, alongside henna rituals, are an invitation into a future where technology enhances our bond with the Earth, signifying our life cycles' transient yet profound nature. This approach pioneers a shift in food production towards regenerative methods. By contributing to a global soil health network, these practices promise a future where a symbiotic relationship between healthy fertile soil and our own (reproductive) health flourishes, illustrating a hopeful narrative for reimagining our environmental and societal frameworks.

Concept & design: Lisa Mandemaker

This project is part of MUSAE, a S+T+ARTS residency funded by EU Commission

Consortium partners MUSAE: GLUON, Politechnico Milano, UB-ART, University Barcelona, UCD Dublin, PAL Robotics, ABACUS, MADE.