# 3D-Printed Death Masks Neri Oxman's Latest Project Boasts Pigment-Producing Microorganisms By Kalin Ned | Published 2018-04-27 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/death-masks References: [dezeen](https://www.dezeen.com/2018/04/26/neri-oxman-vespers-death-masks-pigment-producing-microorganisms/) & [web.media.mit.edu](https://web.media.mit.edu/~neri/site/about/about.html) The last installment of Neri Oxman's death masks have a [colorless 3D-printed design](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olivier-van-herpt-1) and are geared toward exploring the concept of rebirth. The Israeli architect works alongside her Mediated Matter Group at [MIT](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grok-cli) 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](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sail-funerary-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](http://www.yoramreshef.com/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 4.9/10 - Popularity: 68% | Activity: 71% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Science](https://www.trendhunter.com/science) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **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. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Textural Porcelain Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tamara-efrat.md) - [3D-Printed Ecological Funeral Reefs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/resting-reefs.md) - [Design-Forward Funerary Urn Exhibitions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/funerary-urn.md) - [Biomorphic Travel Capsule](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/living-systems.md) - [Futuristic 3D-Printed Decor Collections](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sekisai-cobreathing-objects.md) - [3D-Printed Mycelium Reefs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pierre-oskam.md) - [Stunning 3D-Printed Sunglasses](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/3dprinted-sunglasses1.md) - [Mask-Made Art Installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tidal-stories.md) - [3D-Printed Colorful Vessels](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/olivier-van-herpt-1.md)