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Petri-dish art is a form of art that uses microbes as the “paint” and agar medium as the “canvas,” with the resulting colors and textures emerging from the natural growth of microorganisms. This unique art form was first popularized by Alexander Fleming in 1928 through his work with Penicillium notatum. Since then, agar art has developed into a medium of expression that combines microbiological science with visual art.

Workshop Chair Rila Tirta Ayudia (Microbiology, 2022) explained that the event was designed to open new perspectives on microorganisms. “Through Petri-dish art, we want to show that microorganisms should not only be viewed from their scientific side, but can also become a medium of creativity and a source of inspiration for many people,” she stated.

The workshop featured Syaiful Garibaldi from Lokus Foundation as the keynote speaker. He emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in bringing together science, art, and technology. During the lecture session, participants were introduced to various types of microbes commonly used in microbial art, including naturally pigmented bacteria as well as genetically engineered strains.

In the hands-on session, participants had the opportunity to create their own artworks using four prepared bacterial cultures: yellow: Sarcina lutea, red: lactic acid bacteria isolated from pineapple, white: Bacillus subtilis, and transparent white: Pseudomonas fluorescens. The entire process was carried out under aseptic techniques and closely supervised by Microbiology ITB student assistants to ensure safety and the quality of the artworks.

Following the practical session, participants also attended a special demonstration on preservation techniques using epoxy resin, which allows Petri-dish artworks to be maintained for longer periods while remaining safe for display. This stage provided participants with insights into how microbial art can be sustained beyond the initial microbial growth.

“This event proves that science and art cannot be separated. With creative approaches like this, society can become closer to microbes while also understanding their vital roles in life,” remarked Syaiful Garibaldi during the closing session.

The workshop attracted a diverse range of participants, from high school students and university students to members of the art community. The laboratory atmosphere was vibrant with exploration, interaction, and creativity.

With the conclusion of this workshop, IMD Indonesia 2025 further reinforced its vision as a collaborative platform that unites academia, communities, and the public in exploring the potential of microorganisms from both scientific and artistic perspectives.

Reporter: Dina Avanza Mardiana (Microbiology, 2022)