A
synthesized version of the genetic information of each one of my twenty-three
pairs of chromosomes is engraved on a different plexiglass piece. “Amateur
Gods” is thus constituted by twenty-three components representing my most
intimate self. These sculptures have a
reminiscence of the interlocking games we played when kids, and make an allegory with the newest
discoveries regarding genetic engineering, specifically with the “CRISPR” tool.
In this work, I played “Amateur God” myself, trying different morphologies and
dispositions until I got to the final disposition, my self-constructed SELF. The piece was then coated in gold leaf imbuing the work
with a commentary on the perceived value and sanctity of the genetic code.
Gold, historically a symbol of divinity, immortality, and unchanging value,
parallels the immutable essence of our genetic information, elevating the
artwork's individual elements to a status akin to sacred relics. This use of a
precious metal challenges the viewer to consider the worth of our biological
data in an era where such information can be easily edited and commodified. The
gold leaf serves as a physical manifestation of the metaphorical 'genetic
gold' — the untapped potential within each sequence that holds the power to
redefine our very being. In this gilded state, "Amateur Gods" becomes
a luxurious altar to the self, at once celebrating the uniqueness of the
individual and critiquing the societal and ethical implications of genetic
manipulation and biotechnological advancements.
