RETHINK BACTERIA – Meet the Microbial Superheroes of Our Planet

Perhaps you’ve heard about good bacteria. Perhaps you’ve heard about bad bacteria. But in reality, there are no good or bad bacteria – only bacteria – some of which that have started to grow in the wrong place, or in ways that can make us ill.

Bacteria are at the heart of nature’s cleaning systems: tiny factories that break down dead plants and create fertile soils, that can help purify oceans from harmful chemicals, and capture greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. They are our allies in tackling climate change. But they are also why we have antibiotics that cure infections, self-healing concrete – and the possibility of enjoying a fine cheese.

One of today’s great challenges is that some bacteria are developing resistance to antibiotics, rendering them ineffective. To ensure antibiotics can continue saving lives, we must use them wisely and improve our ability to prevent infections. Expanding our understanding of bacteria and their functions is a vital step.

The art exhibition Rethink Bacteria makes the invisible microbial world visible, highlighting the crucial role of bacteria for a liveable future. It will be on display at Torsåker Farm from May to October 2026. The exhibition is not open to the public, but a selection of its content can be viewed here.

The exhibition is created by Gabriela Torrez Ruin in collaboration with RISE Research Institutes of Sweden, Antibiotic Smart Sweden, SLU Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences, Humboldt University, and Pure Effect, together with committed artists, scientists, and industry partners.

For inquiries, please contact Site Manager at Torsåker Farm, Marie Wallin:

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