Barry Webb Documents a Marvelous, Macro Array of Colorful Slime Molds

Blown wildly out of proportion in large format, the slime molds that British photographer Barry Webb captures seem atmospheric and sculptural. Stemonitis, for example, looks like dozens of thin pieces of wire with their ends coated in colored wax. But this fungi-like form is one of hundreds of kinds of slime mold, and it typically only reaches a height of about two centimeters at the most. Thanks to Webb’s macro photos, we glimpse a phenomenally beautiful world up-close that is otherwise virtually invisible.

Scientists have documented hundreds of these organisms, which aren’t actually related to plants, fungi, animals, or molds—despite the name. They comprise a unique group unto themselves, more closely related to amoebas. And new discoveries are being made all the time. From mottled gray bulbs that look like snow-covered trees to pink, coral-like tendrils, Webb chronicles a huge array of colors and shapes. He also consistently submits images to local and national botanical records so that researchers have access to high-resolution imagery.

A macro photo of slime mold
Didymium squamulosum

Webb’s image of a species called Lamproderma scintillans, partly engulfed by a water droplet, won the Botanical Britain category of the British Wildlife Photography Awards. Several of his photos are on display in large format in the exhibition Mythos Wald at Gasometer Oberhausen in Germany, which continues through the end of the year. And in the U.K., see Webb’s awarded images in the 2026 International Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition at Cambridge University Botanic Garden. Find more on his Instagram.

A macro photo of slime mold
Cribraria argillacea
A macro photo of slime mold
Cribraria aurantiaca
A macro photo of slime mold
Physarum psittacinum and tiny mites
A macro photo of slime mold
Lamproderma on top of Trichia flavicoma
A macro photo of slime mold
Deformed Stemonitis
A macro photo of slime mold
Pink Arcyria

Do stories and artists like this matter to you? Become a Colossal Member today and support independent arts publishing for as little as $7 per month. The article Barry Webb Documents a Marvelous, Macro Array of Colorful Slime Molds appeared first on Colossal.

©

Related Posts

Barry Webb Documents a Marvelous, Macro Array of Colorful Slime MoldsBarry Webb Documents a Marvelous, Macro Array of Colorful Slime Molds
Allegro Offices – Warsaw
The Design Group utilized thoughtful colors, finishes, and greenery to...
Read more
AKZ Architectura, Sculptor Salon Kiev Interior Design, Photo Lesha Yanchenkov | YellowtraceAKZ Architectura, Sculptor Salon Kiev Interior Design, Photo Lesha Yanchenkov | Yellowtrace
Sculptor Salon Kiev, Ukraine by AKZ Architectura.
  AKZ Architectura never fails to pack a punch with their...
Read more
Barry Webb Documents a Marvelous, Macro Array of Colorful Slime MoldsBarry Webb Documents a Marvelous, Macro Array of Colorful Slime Molds
Tea maker lets you smell your tea...
Making and drinking tea is highly relaxing for a lot...
Read more
MILANTRACE 2018 Partner Banner | YellowtraceMILANTRACE 2018 Partner Banner | Yellowtrace
Welcome to MILANTRACE 2018.
  While the dust settles on the world’s biggest design event,...
Read more
Barry Webb Documents a Marvelous, Macro Array of Colorful Slime MoldsBarry Webb Documents a Marvelous, Macro Array of Colorful Slime Molds
The Movin’On Challenge Design returns for its...
A transportation/mobility design competition with a difference – the Movin’On...
Read more
op maat gemaakte kledingkastop maat gemaakte kledingkast
Hoe stel ik een kledingkast op maat...
Ben jij klaar met die standaard kledingkasten en wil je...
Read more