The Ustilago maydis Project
Category: Artist Residency
Date: March-July 2023
Location: Coalesce Bioart Labs in Buffalo, NY.
Project Components:
1. Lab Work
2. Greenhouse Work
4. Scent Extraction
3. Lecture
Project Description
> Exploring the theme of scientific colonialism within genetic engineering with Ustilago maydis
> The outcome of this project would be to infect hyper-domesticated maize (like that which is grown industrially in the US Corn Belt) plot with this engineered fungus. Allowing the fungus to grow on this variety of maize would embed the Mexican historical context of maize both physically and genetically. The hybrid corn-fungus organism would then hybridize the histories of maize with an idealized future of what genetic engineering in the future can consist of under a decolonized lens. Embedding the maize context within a fungus brings together themes of the post-natural, postcolonialism, and hybrid cultural heritage in one project.
Special Thanks to Paul Vanouse, Solon Morse, Walker Tufts, and the whole team at Coalesce Bioart Labs and The University at Buffalo Art Department.
> Exploring the theme of scientific colonialism within genetic engineering with Ustilago maydis
> The outcome of this project would be to infect hyper-domesticated maize (like that which is grown industrially in the US Corn Belt) plot with this engineered fungus. Allowing the fungus to grow on this variety of maize would embed the Mexican historical context of maize both physically and genetically. The hybrid corn-fungus organism would then hybridize the histories of maize with an idealized future of what genetic engineering in the future can consist of under a decolonized lens. Embedding the maize context within a fungus brings together themes of the post-natural, postcolonialism, and hybrid cultural heritage in one project.
Special Thanks to Paul Vanouse, Solon Morse, Walker Tufts, and the whole team at Coalesce Bioart Labs and The University at Buffalo Art Department.
1. Lab Work Documentation
2. Greenhouse Work
3. Scent Extraction Work
