Thursday, April 8, 2010

Eduardo Kac's Edunia


[From www.ekac.org:] Edunia 'is a genetically-engineered hybrid of myself and Petunia. ... [M]y gene produces a protein in the veins only. The gene was isolated and sequenced from my blood. ... The result of this molecular manipulation is a bloom that creates the living image of human blood rushing through the veins of a flower.

The gene I selected is responsible for the identification of foreign bodies. In this work, it is precisely that which identifies and rejects the other that I integrate into the other, thus creating a new kind of self that is partially flower and partially human.' Hmmmm.... not sure about his intention to dismantle the defense of the other. (Thanks Meredith!)

Related:
Amy Youngs's Rearming the Spineless Opuntia: 'Through cloning and micropropagation technologies, humankind has engineered creations such as the Spineless Opuntia, a cactus that lacks its original defense mechanism against those who eat them.' This kinetic sculpture's armor closes up when approached and opens when people move away from it. [www.ylem.org/artists/ayoungs]

Video: www.ylem.org/artists/ayoungs

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