Biopresence

Human DNA trees by transcoding the essence of a human being within the DNA of a tree in order to create "Living Memorials" or "Transgenic Tombstones".

Biopresence is an art venture formed by Shiho Fukuhara and Georg Tremmel with the purpose of exploring, participating and ultimately defining the most relevant playing field of the 21st century: the impact of biotechnologies on society and the human perception of these coming changes.

Biopresence creates Human DNA trees by transcoding the essence of a human being within the DNA of a tree in order to create "Living Memorials" or "Transgenic Tombstones". Biopresence is collaborating with scientist and artist Joe Davis on his DNA Manifold algorithm, which allows for the transcoding and entwinement of human and tree DNAs. The Manifold method is based on the naturally occurring silent mutations of base triplets, this means it is possible to store information without affecting the genes of the resulting tree. Biopresence Human DNA Trees do not modify the genes of an organism. Therefore, they are not genetically modified organisms (GMOs).

Biopresence presents current developments of its research and encourages the public to explore the proposed issues and to envision possible futures.

 

Awarded:
Creative Pioneer Award, NESTA
Grand Prize, Viper Swiss Media Art Festival
Product of Future, Science Museum London and Royal College of Art
2nd Prize, Pitch Your Idea, University of Cambridge

Exhibited at:
Open Nature, InterCommunication Center [ICC]
Science Museum London
Mobile Art 05 Goteborg New Media Art Festival
Viper

Articles
"DNA Does Seeds Living Tombstones", WIRED

Talked at
TEDxKeio SFC
第1回生命文化誌セミナー