Morphogenesis

Morphogenesis

Formation of structure. The evolution of the form of an organism or embryo during its development … A process of creating new organizational forms in response to changing environmental conditions.

(http://dictionary.babylon.com/morphogenesis)

Shaylor’s practice is an engagement with biogenetics and examines the scenario of cloned artificial humans. Science fiction has depicted the fear or dreams of genetic engineering via book or film, but biotechnological scientific advances are now a reality. Fiction has become fact and Shaylor’s research of this arena is formulated on factual events.

Morphogenesis strives to exemplify the artificiality of man attempting to dictate nature, changing the natural course of evolution and emphasizes the revolution in science. To some, such developments may be miraculous, yet they can also create dilemmas for both individuals and society. The art and science hybrid is experiencing a period of profound change and bio genetics raises questions of ethics, care for this planet and its inhabitants.

Shaylor’s practice stimulates contemplation of biotechnology and its many applications, such as the use of genetic techniques to enhance favorable traits in adults or to select for certain characteristics in human embryos. Shaylor aims to stress the consideration of what is ethical and acceptable to society once unfamiliar concepts are introduced to a community or culture.

Additionally, Shaylor’s practice is a reminder of the eugenics movement, which began in Britain then the Americans and the Nazis.

As ethical principles are the foundation of a civilized society, who decides what constitutes a moral principle or a societal rule of conduct? Morphogenesis responds to the scientific research and its social implications in contemporary culture.
http://www.tracieshaylor.co.uk/