Lewis Andrews

‘Bacterium Apocalypse’ is the third ‘Story Artwork’ (ATP & 6CO2 + 6H2O = C6H12O6 + 6O2) and visually tells a story which unknown to you is experienced every day by your Immune System. Second, only to the human brain, the Immune system is the most complex system within your body and every day it’s under attack. The work touches upon how a simple cut is to your cells a fight for life or death. 

‘Bacterium Apocalypse’ starts the story with a small cut and shows nearby bacteria taking the opportunity to invade and start stealing your resources. The Immune response follows going cell by cell with each calling in reinforcement if necessary. With this particular pathogen, the Innate Immune System and Adaptive Immune System are both activated, and their specialist cells are shown in order of activation. 

Critical parts and processes of the immune response are highlighted with the use of colour and text. A great example would be the two-stage activation cells have in place to stop accidental activation and possible harm to yourself; your Immune system can just as easily kill you if left unchecked. The story comes to an end with all our ‘weapons’ coming together and defeating the infection. Most of your Immune cells will then die as they no longer have a purpose. However, a few will turn into memory cells and remember this specific pathogen. This is how immunity works and as a result, the pathogen within the artwork we have now become immune to if another infection occurs.