EXHIBITION
The Designer Bodies exhibition opened a pathway to the future of genetics through artworks by four outstanding Scottish artists. Christine Borland, Gina Czarnecki, Jacqueline Donachie and Gair Dunlop are recipients of Wellcome Trust SciArt, Alt-W and Creative Scotland Awards for the works included in Designer Bodies, many not shown in Scotland before. Based on unorthodox applications of new scientific discoveries and advances, the works featured in Designer Bodies employed photography, text, cultured tumour cells, DNA profiles, video microscopes, screen-based installations and interactivity. The Designer Bodies exhibition took place at Stills Gallery, Edinburgh, 3 April - 6 June 2004.

The works created an exploratory, almost game-like environment. HeLa (2001) and Home Testing (2004) by Christine Borland examined the implications of genetic prenatal screening and the construction of medical knowledge; DM (2002-4) by Jacqueline Donachie asked questions about possible genetic intervention in human biodiversity and disease treatment; Silvers Alter (2003) by Gina Czarnecki tackled genetic discrimination and the privacy of genetic information; Century 21 Calling… (2003-4) by Gair Dunlop explored social perceptions, medical ethics and the historical moment of discovery of the DNA structure.

Explore the Highlights section of this site for further information on the exhibiting artists and their works.

 

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