The question of what the human being is, is inseparable from that of what the animal is. The history of man is the history of his own animality, as well as history of the practices he employs to distance himself from this animality. The Series “Animal – The Other Side of Evolution” looks at the idea of separation and conjunction between human and animal, while symbolizing an imagined evolution or “the other side of evolution” where humans have developed more in tune with their natural habitat.
The research explores ‘hybrid-humans’ with augmentative chimeric limbs.
By adapting ideas from the animal world, the project studied, copied and rearranged the appearance and function of specific creatures, in order to seek an analogy in terms of engineering and design, with a focus on static appendages in animals such as tusks and horns. Through the hybrid-augmentations exploring the limits of human “plasticity”, the research looked into how we might adapt—mentally and physically—to having additional limbs added to our bodies.
Could we live with alternative chimeric-embodiments? Could we change the biological body representation and expression through animal-like body-augmentation?
The project looked at the new mutation possibilities, in order to develop a contemporary cross-image of human and animal, suggesting an atemporal, supreme creature beyond past and future.
Awards:
Best Design Award 2012, University of the Arts London
Project of the Year Award, International Talent Support, ITS 2012 Italy
Nominations:
Outstanding Creation & Innovation Prize, International Art and Design Biennale, FR
Photo collaboration with Fernando Lessa
Model:Anna Tatton
