Inspired by the principles of Bauhaus, this session explores soil chromatography as both a qualitative tool and a visual language. Soil chromatography is a method of analysis developed in the mid to late 20th century and still used by biodynamic farmers, artists, and researchers around the world.

Participants will learn how to process soil samples and transform them into striking circular chromatograms—visual compositions that reveal information about soil health and composition. This workshop bridges ecology and art, encouraging you to see soil not just as material, but as a medium. Although its scientific validity is being disputed, the process of creating a chromatograph yields valuable information and connects us, through direct experience, with the ground beneath our feet.

All participants should be 18 years or older and are encouraged to bring their own soil samples for the activity.

This program is part of the Wende Bauhaus series, in which local artists lead hands-on classes inspired by the Bauhaus school’s learning-by-doing philosophy and its spirit of experimentation, play, and discovery.

About the teaching artist:
Aly Ogasian is an interdisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. Her practice is research driven and typically site responsive, sparking conversations about everyday life and survival in a rapidly changing environment. Recent projects critique notions of expedition in the 21st century and play with the idea of an island as a metaphor, exploring notions of adaptation and survival, community and individualism, terrestrial and extraterrestrial, nature and technology. She is an Assistant Professor of Art and Design at Scripps College and core faculty in Intercollegiate Media Studies at The Claremont Consortium.

Seating is first come, first served. An RSVP does not guarantee admission once capacity is reached. No late entry.