Christina Mackie - IIP

Opening 24 March 18.30 - 20.30hrs

Christina Mackie's project for The Showroom explores our feelings of unease about the concept of genetic modification. It is designed to raise a number of questions about the ethical problems of creating new life forms and of making art. Is it possible to make a creative genetic contribution to the world without passing on your own genes? Is it necessary to have an obvious benefit in mind when modifying the genetic pattern of a life form? What are the implications of using genetics to make art that has a life span beyond that of its creator? Can a work of art be invisible?

The starting point for the work was a small black and white drawing of a cat. This has been converted to a DNA sequence. Could this DNA be inserted into the DNA of a common plant altering its genetic make-up forever? The project will raise the questions of how, when, and under what conditions any plants thus altered could be released into the environment.

Dr Mike Fay at the Jodrell Laboratory, Kew Gardens advised on Poplar genetics. Chris Panton at Panart codified the image. Dr Gerry Martin at Cruachem fabricated the DNA. Helen Perks made the embroidery. Alan Hart at Wallbank & Perkin produced the weaving. Natalie Racioppa and Nigel Piper at Greenfinger Hydroponics supplied the lights and hydroponics equipment. Greenfinger is also exhibiting a hydroponic system as part of the Concept House 1999 at the Ideal Home Exhibition.

Christina Mackie - IIP
Intron Image Project