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Piccinini's New Art Explores Biotech Future
4 Jun
Summary
- Artist Patricia Piccinini revisits her 2002 stem cell artwork.
- New sculpture 'Celulas Madre' features an adult woman and nurtured beings.
- Artworks respond to climate crisis and human adaptation at Science Gallery Melbourne.

Artist Patricia Piccinini, renowned for works residing in the Uncanny Valley, has debuted 'Celulas Madre' at Science Gallery Melbourne's EMERGENCE(Y) exhibition. This new commission reimagines her 2002 piece 'Still Life With Stem Cells,' now featuring an adult woman and a newborn alongside amorphous beings in a large Petri dish, symbolizing advancements in stem cell research and the cycle of life.
The EMERGENCE(Y) exhibition, running from June 6 to December 5, explores adaptation in a world shaped by climate crisis and human evolution. Piccinini's residency at Murdoch Children's Research Institute inspired her to witness stem cell cultivation firsthand, influencing the aesthetic and conceptual depth of her new artwork.
Piccinini's artistic exploration is complemented by other diverse installations. These include fire-retardant clothing made from mycelium by Alia Parker, an acoustic project by Marco Barotti to regenerate coral reefs, and works utilizing live data from NASA's Perseverance rover, all highlighting human innovation and resilience.