Surface Tension explores a variety of ways in which human and environmental health are connected. It offers a critique of capitalism by pointing to a myriad of capitalist toxins manifested in the human body, environment, and American culture. Biofilm is the metaphorical through-line throughout; which is a community of bacteria capable of colonizing various surfaces in and around the body. Biofilm is typically perceived negatively when found in our bodies, positively in our external environments, and proliferate as a result of human mistreatment of each other and the spaces we inhabit.
The book’s narrative is made up of a combination essay, poetic text, and toner-wash paintings. - Willa Goettling