The Biotechnologization of the Soul? & DORIAN-GRAY-KIT – Trajectories of Rejuvenation between Self-Experiments and CRISPR-Cas9, Object / Film, 2018
EUDAIMONIA – The Biotechnologization of the Soul? and DORIAN-GRAY-KIT – Trajectories of Rejuvenation between Self-Experiments and CRISPR-Cas9 form two parts of a triplet of projects called CRISPR Chronicles, investigating human desires and dreams that drive current biotechnological innovations. While EUDAIMONIA is concerned with phantasmatic drive for happiness, DORIAN-GRAY-KIT explores possible futures of genome editing in connection with the human obsession of eternal youth.
The project is part of the first European artist residency on CRISPR-Cas9 initiated by STATE in collaboration with Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association (MDC).
Emilia Tikka spent two months with MDC’s CRISPR lab to work closely with the researchers. Drawing on her experiences in the laboratory with the CRISPR-Cas9 research team, the artwork will engage with the philosophical and societal dimensions of genome editing. Here presented as a work in progress, the final artwork will premiere at STATE Studio Opening on October 26, 2018 in Berlin.
Credits:
Artist: Emilia Tikka
Curatorial Team: Dr. Christian Rauch (STATE), Stefanie Greimel (STATE), Johanna Teresa Wallenborn (STATE), Dr. Ralph Kühn (MDC), Dr. Luiza Bengtsson (MDC)
Funding for the residency is provided by the EU project ORION, Grant Agreement No.741527 and Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association. The artwork is commissioned by STATE.
EUDAIMONIA
Photo Credit: Zuzanna Kaluzna
3D Rendering: Pauli Hyvönen
Glassblowing: Wiebke Matthes, Technical University Berlin Chemistry Department
Scientific consultation: Jacob Palumbo and Martin Müller
Website:
Bio
Emilia Tikka (FI) is a designer, artist, and filmmaker – originally from Finland and currently based in Berlin. Her interdisciplinary design and research practice explore philosophical dimensions and cultural implications of novel biotechnologies such as synthetic biology and genome editing technology CRISPR-Cas9. Her methods of research vary from designing objects, constellations, concepts, and fictions to writing and hands-on laboratory experiments.
Her design and artworks – ranging from objects, clothing, sculptures – has been awarded and exhibited in several international design exhibitions and art museums including Västerås Art Museum in Sweden, EMMA Contemporary Art Museum in Finland, Contemporary Art Museum COCA in Poland, MOBA13 Design Biennale in Netherlands curated by Li Edelkoort, Exhibition and book release by Vilaindustrie in Florence, Italian Vogue’s Young Talents event in Milan and Helsinki Technical Museum. Her recent film project Eudaimonia has been selected in international film festivals such as Shorts on Tap in London and as a finalist in the European Cinematography Awards. After studying in Helsinki she received her MA in industrial design at University of Arts Berlin.
