Microbiome Rebirth Incubator

François-Joseph Lapointe & Marianne Cloutier

How can the moment of birth shape future health?

Our bodies contain a huge array of microorganisms, including bacteria and viruses, known together as the microbiome. Canadian biologist and artist Francois-Joseph Lapointe and art historian Marianne Cloutier have developed the Microbiome Rebirth Incubator, an installation exploring the microbial transfer between mother and child at the moment of birth.

The project symbolically explores the possibility of enhancing the microbiome by seeding babies with the mother’s bacteria, gathered from breastmilk or vaginal microbes.

As part of this installation, we have created a private baby-feeding space in the gallery. Join us to listen to the experiences of giving birth around the world and share your own.