Fingerprints... Index ~ Abdruck ~ Spur
In four theoretical essays, criminologist Simon A. Cole, science historian Hans-Jörg Rheinberger, curator Jens Hauser and the artist himself reflect upon the criticism of genomics inherent in the installations of Fingerprints... from an aesthetic, political and techno-philosophical angle. The biomedia installations of Paul Vanouse challenge the codes and images of contemporary molecular biology. Employing gel electrophoresis as an artistic medium, he diverts scientific imaging techniques from their intended uses and uncovers their influence on knowledge production. How are uncritically accepted catchwords like genetic fingerprint generated? How do such metaphors conceal the technical constructedness of their alleged naturalness? Today, increasingly questionable social conclusions are derived from ontologized body fragments, such as genes, so as to reinforce clichés and prejudices.
