Speaking to Neural magazine, artist Paul Vanouse said "I think in the next couple years there will be lots more scientific research that undermines DNA determinism. For instance, theorist Hanna Landecker...describe[s] varied large-scale "Relational Biology" research projects that examine things such as epigenetics, stem-cell differentiation, bidirectional signaling, etc. - things that I think may dethrone the reductive idea that DNA is the dictator of all things and may loosen the metaphor of life as code." Paul Vanouse is visiting USU as a part of the ARTsySTEM project. Tuesday on Access Utah we'll discuss Race and DNA, the CSI Effect, the Human Genome Project, and related topics.
Paul Vanouse is an artist working in Emerging Media forms. His artwork addresses complex issues raised by varied new techno-sciences using these very techno-sciences as a medium. His artworks have included data collection devices that examine the ramifications of polling and categorization, genetic experiments that undermine scientific constructions of race and identity, and temporary organizations that playfully critique institutionalization and corporatization. These "Operational Fictions" are hybrid entities--simultaneously real things and fanciful representations--intended to resonate in the equally hyper-real context of the contemporary electronic landscape.
Paul Vanouse is Professor of Art, Director of Graduate Studies, and Co-Director of Emerging Practices MFA, University at Buffalo.