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Alicia King
Alicia King My time at SymbioticA will be used to focus on a few areas of investigation. The first is the production of a bioreactor, in collaboration with Matt Johnson from the Royal College of Art, London, as part of SARG (SymbioticA Research Group), which will later be used for the slip me some skin project, involving the culturing of my own primary skin tissue into sculptural form. I will also be working on a project involving the obtainment and culturing of explant tissue from cosmetic surgery patients in Perth. This research is related to my current PhD, Transformations of the flesh; rupturing embodiment through biotechnology, which involves exploration into biomedical manipulation on the physical, psychological and ethical body. In addition, I am following up on research involving the phenomenon of the HIV virus, as an autonomous entity of complex and problematic status, within the body and wider Western culture at large. Particularly within western queer culture the HIV virus has become a complex entity within itself. Growing governmental policy surrounding HIV Immigration portrays a view of the HIV positive as a biological weapon, and subsequently HIV positive individuals as potential bioterrorists. In addition to 'gift giving' and 'bug chasing', HIV positivity can be seen as a validation of sexuality, and entry to an exclusive community. Resulting from issues relating to the sexual element of transmission, HIV/AIDS education and awareness often comes under a banner of abstinence and/or ignorance, as in turn, does the HIV positive body, both of which then exist in a state of blurry unease. The general premise for this research relates to governing and manipulation of the living body, as significantly altering the state of the body, both physically and conceptually. Bodily form in its location between subject and object, living and non-living, waste and commodity will be explored throughout, in relation to its significance upon the perception and role of the body, and its relationship to the wider environment. The Residency is funded by Australia Council for the Arts (OZCO), and The Museum for Old and New Art (MONA). |
