Aguahoja II Studies, 2019
Neri Oxman (b. 1976) and the Mediated Matter Group
Apple pectin, vegetable glycerin, and shellfish chitosan, 16 1/2 × 8 × 6 in. (41.9 × 20.3 × 15.2 cm)
Courtesy Neri Oxman and the Mediated Matter Group

Aguahoja II Studies, 2019
Neri Oxman (b. 1976) and the Mediated Matter Group
Apple pectin, vegetable glycerin, beet, turmeric, and charcoal, 21 × 14 in. (53.3 × 35.6 cm)
Courtesy Neri Oxman and the Mediated Matter Group

Aguahoja I Studies, 2018
Neri Oxman (b. 1976) and the Mediated Matter Group
Wood pulp cellulose and shellfish chitosan, 14 × 14 in. (35.6 × 35.6 cm) overall
Courtesy Neri Oxman and the Mediated Matter Group

In response to the environmentally harmful effects of synthetically produced plastics that outlast human lifetimes in landfills upon their disposal, Neri Oxman and her team designed Aguahoja, a range of 3D-printed biodegradable, biopolymeric material composites. Aguahoja is inspired by the biodegradation of naturally occurring polymers, such as cellulose and chitin, that readily break down over more sustainable timescales. These processes are ongoing in the studies on display, which have warped and changed in color from when they were made, as evident in the images to the right. Items in the Aguahoja series explore the range of physical properties made possible by combining these biopolymers in different ratios, including the construction of architectural-scale structures. Aguahoja poses a conservation challenge: Does one preserve an item intended to materially degrade over time? And, if so, how?