We began as part of the body

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Exploring how bodies are imagined, visualised and made audible using bio-medical data

Exhibition - Now Open

‘We began as part of the body’ is a multi-component digital artwork by Beverley Hood (University of Edinburgh) inspired the eczema genetic research laboratory of Professor Sara Brown, (University of Dundee) where Beverley undertook an artist residency in 2017 organised by ASCUS Art & Science.

The residency involved spend time observing the activities of the lab and the organotypic artificial skin cells, which are both real and synthetic. Taken from an actual person (via tummy tucks, breast surgery, etc), the cells are processed and maintained outside of the body. Almost indescribably similar and different from the cells that exist within our actual body, genes are changed, tweaked, to create eczema skin.

The artwork combines microscopy, digital scanning and speech synthesis to create an augmented reality and filmic experience that leads the audience through the cells’ journey, during their short, precious, three weeks long ‘in-vitro’ life, from operating theatre to lab, and finally to disposal.

The exhibition is now live online at Inspace and available to see on the Inspace City Screen outside every day from  3-10pm 12-30 November. 

Discussion

This event will be a live discussion about how bodies are imagined, visualised and made audible using bio-medical data. This event will feature artist Beverley Hood in conversation with scientist Professor Sara Brown as they explore how the ‘We began as part of the body‘ artwork evolved in the lab and beyond, using microscopy, 3D modelling, speech synthesis, and immersive technologies.

TICKETS

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