Neri Oxman

Neri Oxman is an innovative American-Israeli designer and former professor renowned for her unique approach that intertwines art, design, biology, computing, and materials engineering. She is credited with coining the term 'material ecology,' which encapsulates her philosophy of integrating natural processes with technological advancements.

As a former professor at the MIT Media Lab, Oxman founded and led the Mediated Matter research group, where she explored the intersection of digital fabrication and biological systems. Her groundbreaking work has been showcased in prestigious institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Boston's Museum of Science, SFMOMA, and the Centre Pompidou, all of which feature her creations in their permanent collections.

Oxman's projects often leverage cutting-edge techniques in 3D printing and fabrication, emphasizing the role of nature and biology in design. Notable endeavors include co-fabrication systems that utilize silkworms, bees, and ants to construct hybrid structures, as well as a water-based fabrication platform that produced structures like Aguahoja from chitosan. Additionally, she developed the first 3D printer capable of creating optically transparent glass.

Her diverse portfolio also encompasses printed clothing, wearables, and furniture, reflecting her commitment to pushing the boundaries of design and technology. Through her work, Oxman continues to inspire a new generation of creators to rethink the relationship between the natural and the artificial.