alPersona: clusterTeratoma activeHomunculus reAnimation is the product of the MFA Visual Arts Thesis Exhibition presented at the KU Natural History Museum. AltPersona mimics a living organism by actively sensing proximity and reacting to it. The thesis of altPersona questions our human fascination with the possibility to create a different sentient organism through techno-scientific advancement. The concept of the homunculus, a fictional alternate being crafted by humans, is central to explore the fantasy of creating an artificial intelligence synthesized from hive cluster of tumors. These tumors are the main component of the work as they exploit the raw visceral quality of the silicon-crafted pieces, activated through patterns of vibration, to resemble the pulse of living organs. In addition, its behavioral response is programmed to mimic stress when the observer approaches. The interactive elements disrupt the atmosphere of the didactic space it was placed within. Thus, the viewers are confronted by their own visceral response to the piece caused by their own suspension of disbelief, a threshold that blurs the line in between science, fiction and reality.
GIF excerpt from video.
Single silicon teratoma unit
Single silicon teratoma unit
texture detail of a silicon teratoma
texture detail of a silicon teratoma
texture detail of a silicon teratoma
altPersona installation in the Cassaday Gallery of the KU Natural History Museum.
These drawings are an exploration of anatomical illustrations in order to re-conceptualize a new type of organ. These served as prototypes for the altPersona tissues.
Teratoma prototype I. Mixed media on Stonehenge. 2016
Teratoma prototype I (detail). Mixed media on Stonehenge. 2016
Teratoma prototype I (detail). Mixed media on Stonehenge. 2016
Teratoma prototype II. Mixed media on plastic and steel hooks. 2016
Teratoma prototype II (detail). Mixed media on plastic and steel hooks. 2016
Teratoma prototype II (detail). Mixed media on plastic and steel hooks. 2016
Teratoma prototype II (detail). Mixed media on plastic and steel hooks. 2016
Studies for structural disembodiment experiments with the integration of organic elements with instruments inspired on surgery. The pieces connect together through the layered shadows in the back plane. In the first set, the instruments are an invitation to explore the organic forms whilst the second set integrates them within.
Studies for structural disembodiment I. Resin, steel and nickel. 2015
Studies for structural disembodiment I (detail). Resin, steel and nickel. 2015
Studies for structural disembodiment I (detail). Resin, steel and nickel. 2015
Studies for structural disembodiment I (detail). Resin, steel and nickel. 2015
Studies for structural disembodiment I (detail). Resin, steel and nickel. 2015
Studies for structural disembodiment II. Silicon and nickel. 2015
Studies for structural disembodiment II. Silicon and nickel. 2015
The self-surgery instruments probe the simultaneous horror and fascination in the possibility of exploring one's insides. The instruments were crafted to resemble a synthesized version of the very organs they are meant to explore.
Bone-marrow scraper. Holloware on copper alloys and liver of sulfur patina. 2015
Chest-opener for self-surgery. Holloware, chasing and repoussé in copper alloys with liver of sulfur patina and nickel plating. 2015
Chest-opener for self-surgery. Holloware, chasing and repoussé in copper alloys with liver of sulfur patina and nickel plating. 2015
The nostalgia body-vessels is a personal exploration of my body as a vessel. The vessels explore themes like memory, family, and the construction of the self as container for individuality.
Nostalgia body-vessel: body abstraction. Formed, etched, electroformed copper alloys with liver of sulfur patina. 2015
Nostalgia body-vessel: chair. Hydraulic press formed tin sign and found object. 2014
Nostalgia body-vessel: contraption. Formed copper and tin sign with found objects and liver of sulfur patina. 2014
Nostalgia body-vessel: pipe. Etched copper alloy with found object. 2014
Nostalgia body-vessel: toy lighter. copper alloy fabrication with found object. 2014
Nostalgia body-vessel: ritual. Rusted iron, copper and found animal bone. 2014
Nostalgia body-vessel: ritual (detail). Rusted iron, copper and found animal bone. 2014
Nostalgia body-vessel: ritual (detail). Rusted iron, copper and found animal bone. 2014
The downward dog is a pedal powered kinetic sculpture inspired in the practice of Yoga. Consisting mainly of used bicycle parts, its purpose is to explore the mechanics of movement in relation to the body.
