Ancient life forms such as bacteria and fungi have existed since the dawn of life on Earth. Today, they continue to thrive—and our existence depends on them. These organisms form highly diverse communities that coexist with tree and plant roots in the soil, facilitating growth through the exchange of nutrients. Without them, there would be no flora—and thus, no fauna.
To visualize these hidden ecosystems, I cultured microorganisms from plant roots in my Amsterdam garden. Through my images, these life forms emerge from the darkness.
Although much remains unknown about them, it’s clear that we rely on these underground networks. They offer valuable insights—especially when it comes to our food systems, environmental health, and the biodiversity of life above ground.