‘Curious Affection’ Hybrids of Patricia Piccinini’s Biotechnology Art

In her “Curious Affection” exhibition, world-renowned artist Patricia Piccinini and her DNA modified beings, credible and strangely familiar, invite us to find beauty in a transgenic social order not ruled by ideas of normality or perfection. I was hesitant about visiting this curious collection but enjoyed the experience.

INTRODUCTION: On a grand scale, the creations of Patricia Piccinini occupy the entire ground floor of Gallery Of Modern Art, Brisbane Australia, with a retrospective of her most recognisable works from the past 20 years. It is Piccinini’s most ambitious solo exhibition to date, running from March to August 2018, with a collection of wall art and immersive multisensory installations – including new works like Heartwood (featured above) and a large-scale inflatable sculpture Pneutopia (not shown) exclusively conceived for the Gallery which rises effortlessly through an opening to the floor above.

* SOME VIEWERS MAY FIND THESE IMAGES DISTURBING *

TAP OR HOVER OVER IMAGES TO READ MY PICTORIAL COMMENTS. Of course, this doesn’t convey lighting or sound effects! My photographs are by no means exhaustive, there were many more art works and hybrid creations going about their daily lives.

The aluminum bus shelter at the start of my journey into the city.

Viewed while walking through Queensland Gallery of Art, South Bank, Brisbane, silver balls floating on ponds ©GBW2019

A view of Brisbane city between Queensland Museum and State Library of Queensland, South Bank.

A pleasant walk to Gallery of Modern Art, South Bank.

The girl exhibits a naturally occurring condition called Hypertrichosis, colloquially known as werewolf syndrome.

A friend, a playmate, the young child was happy to see him.

Big Mother is symbolic of earlier wet nurses who cared for infants.

The girl and her pet wallaby are doing yoga together.

An automotive version of two stags fighting over their territory.

A fluid piece of bronze which may be titled A Deeply Held Breath 2009.

Patricia Piccinini standing in The Field with one of her curious affections and me lurking in the background.

Three gentlemen incubating eggs while glossy ceramic bats hang around The Grotto.

Huge wall hanging made of ABS plastic and covered in automotive paint.

Of all the large and small genetically engineered sculptures, The Carrier was my favourite piece.

GOMA view across the Brisbane River (Maiwar) to the city.

GOMA view across the river and Kurilpa Bridge to the city.

The Bottom Feeder did not join us for lunch.

Crossing the Victoria Bridge on my bus journey home.

Our guide explained most models are made of silicone, fibreglass, polyurethane and human hair – for a deeper understanding, Patricia Piccinini has recorded video stories and GOMA blog shows the exhibition conception to completion.

CLOSING: Like most art, there is more to it than meets the eye. Patricia Piccinini’s works are complex. We are asked to think about our place in a world where advances in biotechnology, genetic engineering, organ harvesting and digital technologies are challenging the boundaries of humanity.

The more I learned about this exhibition, the more I understood the science, the pathos and the dangerous waters we may sail into one day, much the same as the internet was launched on a naïve world. With intelligence and compassion we may learn to create something new without destroying the old.

♥ Gretchen Bernet-Ward