“this time, this place…beyond open circulation closed reciprocity…closed hydration spheres wrought cast smithed…this is what we are what we eat…”
Iron is the most common metal on earth. Indeed, it forms much of the molten core of the planet which in turn generates the earth’s magnetic poles. The red soils of the world are due to iron. At a biochemical level, iron is essential for human life, amongst other things, making our blood red. In the societal domain, iron is essential for manufacturing, electricity generation, and much more. Certain bacteria can derive energy for life directly from dissolved iron compounds (“rust”) rather than from oxygen as we do. Perhaps, at some time in the future, we, our descendants, the Ferrovores, may need to do the same.
Ian Gibbins is a widely-published poet, video artist and electronic musician living on Kaurna land in Adelaide, South Australia. His videos have been shown around the world in diverse festivals, galleries, installations, and public art programs. In his former life, Ian was an internationally recognised neuroscientist and Professor of Anatomy. For details of Ian’s creative work, visit www.iangibbins.com.au