Belgian Artist Charlotte De Cock creates a Mural in the Center of Tokyo

Belgian artist Charlotte De Cock has been invited by the Tokyo Biennale to create a mural as part of the Biennale. Stretching 10 by 10 meters, this mural serves as a powerful testament to the beauty and resilience of mycelium, the often-overlooked underground network of fungal threads.

Mycelium, the intricate web of fine threads that forms the vegetative part of a fungus, is one of nature's most fascinating and understudied organisms. Beneath our feet, it quietly connects trees, plants, and other life forms in a complex underground network. In recent years, scientists and artists like Charlotte De Cock have begun to explore mycelium's potential as a symbol of interconnectedness, regeneration, and sustainability.

Charlotte De Cock, Schön is Das Leben ist Schön. Copyright: Yusuke Tsuchida

Beyond its aesthetic appeal, Charlotte De Cock's mural conveys a powerful message about the importance of interconnectedness and sustainability. Mycelium serves as a metaphor for the unseen forces that bind our world together. Just as mycelium connects and nourishes forests, it also reminds us of the vital need for collaboration and mutual support in our human communities.

Image on top: Charlotte De Cock, Schön is Das Leben ist Schön. Copyright: Yusuke Tsuchida