RhiZones is an immersive XR artwork series by Joanna Hoffmann that takes a unique artistic approach, drawing inspiration from the vast, interconnected networks of the rhizosphere—the symbiotic relationships between plant roots, fungi, and microorganisms. These natural networks, based on symbiosis, diversity, and interdependence, have evolved over millions of years to secure sustainable growth and survival for all organisms involved. The rhizosphere exemplifies a profound holobiosis, where life thrives through cooperation, creating dynamic ecosystems that adapt and evolve over deep time.
RHIZONE: [M-OTHER]
VR, 360 stereoscopic narrative, / music: Andre Bartetzki / drone footage: Robert Kalak
RhiZone: M-other] is a Virtual Reality narrative, as part of the SPUN Expedition to East Carpathians” immerses viewers in a profound exploration of ecological symbiosis and deep time. This multimedia XR artwork, a part of the expansive RhiZones series, draws inspiration from the intricate rhizosphere networks where plant roots, fungi, and microorganisms interconnect in vital ecosystems.
I was invited, as an artist, to join the SPUN Expedition to the East Carpathian Biosphere Reserve, in the Bieszczady National Park buffer zone. The scientific research was focused on the role of monumental trees (colloquially called mother trees) and their mycobiomes in sustaining natural ecosystems. Our interdisciplinary challenge was to study and visualise extremely complex and rich fungal networks and popularise knowledge about their fundamental role in local and global ecosystems, with an emphasis on the inherent relationship between biological, cultural and societal processes.
Like in a “time machine,” I moved to the prehistoric formation of the Carpathian flysch, from the sediments accumulated in the coastal waters of Tethis through the millions of years of soil-forming processes, in which microorganisms and fungi played an important role having made the plants move from water to land possible, to the fleeting moment of my presence in this incredible place. I was surrounded by the beech-fir forest, that has dominated this area for hundreds of thousands of years, survived even the ice age. The direct experience of a deep time of nature, a strong feeling of belonging to the processes that goes far beyond the scale of my individual being, was a driving force behind “RhiZone-Mother”. For me RhiZone[M-other] is a imaginative portal to this world and at the same time to “expanded me”, inscribed in the past and the future of the Big Web of Life.
The title RhiZone: [M-other] can be interpreted in many ways: as relations “m(e) – other”, “m(ycorrhiza) – other” or as an integrated and at the same time divisible entity as well as the symbol of the origin and continuity expressed in the notion of “mother”.
For my virtual journey I used documentary material gathered during two trips to the region.
The piece is accompanied by RhiZone: [Poem], a performative AR piece.
RhiZone: [Poem], a performative AR Piece, available on
Joanna Hoffmann works in the field of multimedia installation, VR, experimental video-animation, interactive projects, and book art. She is also an academic and leader of the Studio for Transdisciplinary Projects & Research at the University of Arts in Poznan (Faculty of Art Education & Curatorial Studies). She co-founded Art & Science Synergy Foundation (ASSF) and Art & Science Node (ASN) in Berlin and takes the directive role of Chair of ASN. Her artistic works have been widely presented in venues such as the Centre for Contemporary Arts in Warsaw; the Science Museum/DANA Centre and MOCA in London; Transmediale Festival and European Patent Office in Berlin; MUSE New York. She was awarded the Artist of Honour of the XII Florence Biennale in 2019 and was awarded the medal Gloria Artis by the Minister of Culture of the Republic of Poland in 2020..
