DECOMPOSITION OF A STILL LIFE

MARIA PHELAN & DANNY BROWNE

This time-lapse video [17 days shown in 1 minute] documents decomposition; the process by which organic material is broken down into simpler forms of matter. The colourful fruit plate begins its decay with the gradual evaporation of water and soluble carbon compounds, wrinkling and dehydrating in the process and losing shine. Moulds weave a furry coat on the softening watery fruit. Micro-organisms attack, creating nitrogen compounds and releasing carbon dioxide, while fruit enzymes are busy catalysing oxidation and causing decay.