Simulacra Naturae is a collaborative media installation exploring the entanglement of digital morphogenesis and the interplay between biological and artificial intelligences. Brain organoids drive simulations of agent-based ecosystems such as flocks, slime molds, and termites. Their spontaneous neural activity modulates the behavior of these agents, influencing real-time generative visuals, spatial sound, sculptural forms, and living plants within the installation.

By merging neural data, algorithmic growth, and material fabrication, Simulacra Naturae creates a hybrid ecosystem where cognition and agency emerge through co-evolving interactions between code, matter, and living systems. This mediated environment invites reflection on synthetic ecologies, distributed intelligence, and the blurred boundaries between simulation and sensation.

Publication:

Mert Toka*, Nefeli Manoudaki*, Iason Paterakis*, Diarmid Flatley. Simulacra Naturae: Generative Ecosystem driven by Agent-Based Simulations and Brain Organoid Collective Intelligence. IEEE VISAP 2025, Vienna, Austria.

Exhibitions:

Brave New Work 2.0, 2026, Santa Barbara, CA.
SIGGRAPH Art Gallery, 2026, Los Angeles, CA.
CurrentsNew Media Festival, 2026, Santa Fe, New Mexico.
IEEE VISAP. 2025. Atrium, Universität für Angewandte Kunst, Vienna, Austria.
Deep Cuts. 2025. CNSI & SBCAST, Santa Barbara, CA.