[ISEA2013] Curator Statement: Oron Catts — semipermeable (+)

Curator Statement

semipermeable (+) looks at the membrane as a site, metaphor and platform for a series of artistic interventions and projects, some commissioned specifically for the show and others selected from the many projects developed at SymbioticA since 2000.
SymbioticA brings together 14 artists from different disciplines to present, culturally articulate and re-visit, metaphorically and actually, the notion of the membrane – from Protocells, infection and DNA through skins and garments to borders and state control. Artists: Guy Ben-Ary and Kirsten Hudson, Andre Brodyk, Oron Catts, Ionat Zurr and Corrie van Sice, Tagny Duff, Benjamin Forster, Sam Fox, Donna Franklin, Verena Friedrich, Nigel Helyer, Cat Hope, Svenja Kratz.
From the earliest to the newest forms of life to be created, the membrane has acted as the definition of self; maintaining integrity, protection and acting as the interface to the world. The membrane is active, selective and fragile. However, the selective membrane can also be a human construct, as humans have evolved a high dependency on edge detection. The strongest visual (and auditory) cues deal with where one thing ends and another begins. This is also how humans tend to arrange – from perception of individual self to societies and nations. SymbioticA brings together 15 artists from different disciplines to present, culturally articulate and re-visit, metaphorically and actually, the notion of the membrane. The artists investigate protocells, infection and DNA through to skins and garments to borders and state control.

Presented by ISEA2013, SymbioticA and the Powerhouse Museum. symbiotica.uwa.edu.au
powerhousemuseum.com/exhibitions/isea2013

SymbioticA, the Centre of Excellence in Biological Arts  at the School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, University of Western Australia, is an artistic laboratory dedicated to research, learning, critique and hands-on engagement with the life sciences. It is the first research laboratory of its kind, enabling artists and researchers to engage in wet biology practices in a biological science department. It also hosts residents, workshops, exhibitions and symposia.

  • Oron Catts is an Australian artist and researcher currently residing in Perth, Australia where he has been employed at the University of Western Australia since 1996. He works as an artistic director of SymbioticA, which he is also co-founder of.   en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oron_Catts  Interview with Oron Catts curator of SymbioticA’s semipermeable (+) at the Powerhouse Museum.: vimeo.com/68040435