“Contra Naturam, the
defiance of nature…
for those who were not
persuaded by Contra deum,
the wrath of God.”
Himmelfard, Gertrude.
(Petri dish politics 1999)
Historically Shaylor
has dealt with research concerns that have evolved from interests in feminism
and sexuality, patriarchal social systems and gender role reversal were underlying
concepts explored in the series ‘Evolution and Atrophy.’
Contra naturam
reflects the ongoing human embryo cloning research. The work is multi layered
and open to interpretation by the viewer. The intended embryonic, amorphous
shapes gradually become recognizable as human form. The series of seven refer
to the biblical seven days of creation and consider the issue of genetic
re-engineering furthermore the potential for an artificial cloned human race,
raising questions of ethics and eugenics.
Tracie Shaylor’s
practice shows an awareness of trajectories within modern art history and an
understanding of where the individual’s practice can situate within that,
whilst still finding a form of expression that is not imitative.
http://www.tracieshaylor.co.uk/
