Becoming Resistant: MSSA to MRSA

The patches of cotton calico that make up this artwork were placed in Petri dishes and grown with Staphylococcus aureus bacteria. The bacteria, which appear blue on a special growth medium have been tested against popular natural antimicrobials such as garlic, turmeric and cloves. The experiments were developed in collaboration with members of the public during a participatory workshop. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is very difficult to treat because it has evolved the ability to combat some antibiotic treatments.