2018

With genetic modification becoming prolific, this series takes a speculative look at the future of man-made organisms. Exploring the concept of creating a ‘new’ thing (microbes or organisms) from existing information. The new combination of biomorphic forms paired with arbitrary forms, evokes connotations of the unusual, the exotic, the abject. 

 

Utilising 3d rendering, commonly used by the design and manufacturing sector, to create prophetic prototypes, the series discusses the dynamic relationship between the ‘artificial’ and the ‘organic’ and their imminent synthesis. The objectification and subordinating of organisms and natural creation in order to construct and augment personalised biological composition or humanity references contemporary advancements such as ‘designer babies’. In this Anthropocene, is genetically modifying organisms merely the next stage in making nature subservient to humanity? Or will denaturalisation of the organic, and the naturalisation of technology resulting in homogeneity; rejecting anthropocentrism and “otherness” between species. 

 

The prototypic nature of the organisms, and the absence of formal and contextual information alludes to the idea that ‘technology is not deterministic’ 1 , this series merely presents a possibility. Humanity is the decider of how GMO technology is implemented; and at this stage it isn’t purely beneficial or detrimental: It currently lies in neutrality, due to its infancy, and the outcome and form or these future post or trans-human organisms are still in flux.

 

Employing iPads as communicative technological tools allows interactivity of the corporeal vessel to physically interact with its potential biological contents. The virtually of the organism further explores the tension between reality, possibility, and fiction and presents it in such a way that is familiar and connects to contemporary life. 

 

These works reference pre-established relationships between art and science originating in the 17th century. Which sought to proliferate science into everyday life; minimizing the divide between scientists and the public, while discussing its implications and value. This series takes this relationship and refreshes it with application of the contemporary context. 

 

1 Yuval Noah Harari, “Yuvai Noah Harai, author of Homo Deus and 21 lessons for the 21st century” (2018), The Geeks Guide to the Galaxy, https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/325-yuval-noah-harari-author-homo-deus-21-lessonsfor/id395738416?i=1000419287159