Hepatoscopy
‘Hepatoscopy’ is based on the Greek myth of Prometheus who steals fire, the first technology from the gods and gives it to man. As punishment, prometheus is chained to a rock and an eagle is sent to peck out his liver every day. Each night, his liver would regrow, which meant he had to endure his punishment for eternity. My work considers the ancient myth of prometheus in relation to contemporary technology.
The installation comprises of 3d printer which produces a synthetic liver in bioplastic each day, simultaneously the previous days liver, displayed in a glass chamber, slowly decomposes turning to liquid. This ritualistic process is repeated each day in an endless cycle of creation and destruction.
With the emergence of 3d printable organs and tissues, it may soon be possible to defy nature and to render ourselves immortal.
The title of the exhibition, ‘Hepatoscopy’ refers to an ancient practise of divination through examining the entrails of sacrificed animals, most commonly the liver, which was believed to contain messages from the gods and allowed the reader to predict the future. Thus, through experiencing the endless ritual of creation and decay, the viewer may witness the future of humanity.![]()
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The installation comprises of 3d printer which produces a synthetic liver in bioplastic each day, simultaneously the previous days liver, displayed in a glass chamber, slowly decomposes turning to liquid. This ritualistic process is repeated each day in an endless cycle of creation and destruction.
With the emergence of 3d printable organs and tissues, it may soon be possible to defy nature and to render ourselves immortal.
The title of the exhibition, ‘Hepatoscopy’ refers to an ancient practise of divination through examining the entrails of sacrificed animals, most commonly the liver, which was believed to contain messages from the gods and allowed the reader to predict the future. Thus, through experiencing the endless ritual of creation and decay, the viewer may witness the future of humanity.
