Growing Likeness, a study in biological authored portraiture and bioart experiment in the aesthetics and value of bio-facial construction, challenging the sustainability of growing human-like structures in a deep-rooted vision. A mapping of intelligence systems disguised as human, this research strikes a visual analogy to the science and the system matrix of crop roots. The aesthetics and symbolic resemblance to the human head is a creative and philosophical query, provoking the viewer to challenge their perception, if in fact any, likeness to human identity. How is the biological intervention of the plant seedlings aiding the construct and metaphorical meaning of being human? Simple experiments with seeds, are in fact, a means to expand knowledge of leading science and technology research whilst communicating this knowledge through art.
Deep rooted vision, profound and ingrained, the splendour of human or artificial intelligence having the capacity to master and enrich innovative scientific solutions whilst unravelling problematic complexities. The survival of many crops on earth requires a robust and sustainable advantage against many of the elements that challenge their ecosystem, particularly given the harsh conditions of recent droughts and disastrous bushfires. The study of plants roots and their tenacity to endure short to long seasonal growing periods is fundamental to the productivity of a successful yield and our future food systems. ‘Measure of Visibility’ and ‘Connectedness’ are focused on damage control, artworks that document the research process requiring the planting of various seed batches grown via a specific technical cast and irrigation system. They represent a disastrous situation when biology takes its own control and destruction of the root matrix.
Growing Likeness is indeed a subjective term and open to interpretation, especially when the object is modelled on the likeness of a human head. Likeness to whom or what? A reflection of self-likeness? These seed compost artefacts, biofacial constructions, a reforming of identity, a new unstructured face kit, grown within a uniform cast into a natural altered state. Growing Likeness builds on the significance of scientific experimentation. The exhibition will be of interest to both scientists and non-scientists alike, with the opportunity to experience the ‘heads’ up and close in an installation of video, artefacts and photographs for a larger-than-life scale viewing.
Opening | Thursday 17 October 5pm–7pm
Exhibition dates | 18 October to 13 November
Floor talk | Wednesday 23 October 12:30pm–1:30pm
Gallery opening hours | Tues – Fri 10am-4pm
Click HERE for the Invitation
Images are Courtesy of the Artist
Eleanor GATES-STUART | Bio-Portrait Identities Series – Systems | 2024 | Pigment Ink on Archival Paper | 100cm x 100cm
For more information click here
