Foundations and Ripples is a bioart project by Svenja Kratz that investigates the creative intersections of art and science, particularly within the field of microbiology and genetic engineering. The work reflects on the foundational contributions of pioneering female scientists Lynn Margulis and Esther Lederberg, whose research has significantly influenced contemporary scientific practices. By referencing their achievements, Foundations and Ripples seeks to bring attention to the often-under acknowledged impact of women in science and to illustrate how their work continues to resonate across both scientific and artistic domains.

The project also incorporates Kratz’s collaborative research with Srividya Ganapathy at Leiden University in 2013, where they worked together to introduce mutations into archaebacterial proteins to explore potentials for future energy production. This aspect of the work connects historical and current scientific research, linking the discoveries of Margulis and Lederberg to contemporary practices in biotechnology and genetic engineering.

The artwork consists of three panels made of clay and edge-lit, laser-engraved acrylic. The outer panels visually represent the contributions of Margulis in evolution theory and Lederberg in bacterial genetics, honoring their respective legacies. The central panel includes a diorama that incorporates a sample of the mutant protein, with both the panel and protein displayed in shades of purple to signify the original color of the molecule. Cell-like shapes within the design reference the protein's origin in bacteria, visually tying back to the microscopic worlds that inspire much of Kratz’s work. Additionally, the piece includes sonified audio derived from bacterial and cellular footage, creating a dynamic soundscape that evokes the interconnected world of microorganisms.

Foundations and Ripples was commissioned for the Femel_Fissions exhibition, funded by the Australia Council, which showcased leading artists working at the intersection of art and science. Accompanying the exhibition, the research symposium Confluence 2016 brought together artists and scientists to discuss the role of art in fostering cross-disciplinary dialogue, further supporting the exhibition's mission to bridge the arts and sciences and to honor the legacy of women in science.