Birgitta Weimer | visual arts

I dream of Genomes
Reflections on identity, artificiality and evolution

Fifty-five years ago this February, Cambridge University scientists Francis Crick and James D. Watson unlocked the secret of life. On the morning of February 28th, they unraveled the molecular structure of DNA thereby solving perhaps the greatest scientific mystery of all time. Central to the discovery was the research of other prominent scientists, chiefly Rosalind Franklin and Linus Pauling, who did not share in the Nobel Prize that was to be awarded to Watson, Crick and Maurice Wilkens in 1962. This would be the first in a long line of controversies that orbit around the discovery of the blueprint to human life.

Stem cell research, genetic engineering and DNA fingerprinting are just a few of the technologies made possible by the genetic revolution. As we enter the 21st century, we face innumerable questions as to the very nature of human life, identity, authenticity and evolution.

What does it mean to be human? Do you own your own DNA? Cloning, morphing and bio-colonialism, genetically altered food, animals, viruses, organs. Utopia / distopia. Is this the end of evolution, or just the beginning? I Dream of Genomes examines the nature human life as we enter the 21st century; the authentic self; personality, ethnicity and uniqueness; things that are real, things that have ceased to be real and the gray areas in between.
The exhibition includes artists Kate Clark, Julia Condon, Andrea Cote, David Gamble, Michelle Hinebrook, Lisa Kellner, Kathleen Kucka, Catamount Mayhugh, Steve Miller, Meredith Pingree, Jake Rowland, Hope Sandrow, Birgitta Weimer and others.
Curated by Janet Goleas

Metagenesis II

I dream of Genomes
Reflections of identity, artificiality and evolution

February 6 through March 22, 2008
Opening Reception, Sunday, February 10th

Islip Art Museum
50 Irish Lane
East Islip, New York 11730-2098
Tel: 631.224.5402
www.islipartmuseum.org

Und demnächst:
Birgitta Weimer
Galerie der Stadt Tuttlingen
9.5.-8.6.2008