3D-Printed Death Masks

Neri Oxman's Latest Project Boasts Pigment-Producing Microorganisms

The last installment of Neri Oxman's death masks have a colorless 3D-printed design and are geared toward exploring the concept of rebirth. The Israeli architect works alongside her Mediated Matter Group at MIT to revolutionaize the wearable interfaces of second skins that are informed by genetic make-up. The death masks are part of the Vespers collection and are defined by the term "biological urn."

Neri Oxman and her team synthetically engineered the pigment-producing microorganisms that inhabit the death masks. The project is not only aesthetically pleasing and kaleidoscopic, but it also boasts useful microorganisms that can produce chemical substances for human augmentation.

Neri's inspiration for the Vespers collection stems from ancient death masks that were traditionally crafted from wax or plaster.

Photo Credits: Yoram Reshef

Colorful Synthetic Microorganisms
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Develop new applications for synthetic microorganisms to produce useful chemical substances for various industries.
Rebirth Inspired Design
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Explore the concept of rebirth in product design across industries to create unique and meaningful experiences for consumers.
Biological Wearable Interfaces
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Revolutionize wearable interfaces using genetic information and advanced manufacturing techniques, enabling personalized and functional second skins.

Industries Being Reshaped

Biotechnology
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Utilize synthetic microorganisms in biotechnology to develop novel products and solutions.
Fashion and Design
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Incorporate the concept of rebirth in fashion and design to create unique and visually striking products.
Healthcare
Disruptive innovation opportunity: Apply biological wearable interfaces in healthcare to enhance patient monitoring and personalized treatment approaches.
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