Prostheses. Transhuman Life Forms.

The exhibition explores the phenomenon of the prosthesis as bodily extension in the 21st century. Exploring new technologies and recent developments in neuroscience and biology, Susanna Hertrich proposes new transhuman sensory extensions of what may eventually become »human 2.0«. Next to Hertrich’s works Art Laboratory Berlin will showcase a film on Neil Harbisson and the Cyborg Foundation.

curated by
Regine Rapp & Christian de Lutz


26 September – 29 November, 2015
Opening // Friday, 25 September, 2015 / 8 pm


///////////// opening hours:
Fri – Sun, 2 – 6 pm and by appointment


///////////// related events:
Body Enhancement
Panel Discussion with Susanna Hertrich and guests
Friday, 6 November 2015

[img]http://www.artlaboratory-berlin.org/assets/jpegs/Hertrich_1.jpg[/img]



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In Susanna Hertrich’s work a narration is constructed in which human senses are extended through computer controlled prostheses. The results cross the boundaries between artistic hypothesis and technological experimentation. The artworks reflect our current living environments, as well as critically question the social, political and physical consequences of the new technologies utilised in their making. Hertrich states: »Prostheses are extensions of the body, but they also mirror society's norms and desires, as well as our own hopes, fears and definition of what is normal.« The exhibited works are part of her long-term artistic research project Bodies & Technology. The series Prostheses for Instincts explores the idea that by augmenting our natural sensory experiences we can widen the range of our perceptions. In doing so Hertrich has created new mechanisms for surviving in a changing world. Jacobson’s Fabulous Olfactometer (JFO), a device worn on
the head and face, is a sensorial prosthesis that mimics mammalian »flehmen response« when air pollution levels become too high. In short, when the device detects a dangerous level of pollution the prosthesis curls back the wearer’s top lip, exposing her teeth, mimicking a reflex common, for instance, in horses or cats. The JFO simultaneously refers to a common, but often invisible 21st century threat and a biologically programmed reaction to danger in the animal world.
Other works such as Therapy Machines: Automated Anchoring Armour and the Alertness Enhancing Device claim to offer psychological protection or training to aid the wearer in dealing with the increased stresses of contemporary life. In fact they actually question the popular motivation, self-help and therapeutic interventions that saturate our society. Hertrich takes into account recent research in psychology, behavioural biology, neuroscience and biomechatronics, but her work also explores the poetic implications of augmenting the human mind and body.
Susanna Hertrich has developed these and other artworks in collaboration with the Meta Perception Group at the University of Tokyo, the Design Research Lab at the University of the Arts, Berlin and the Tsinghua University Art & Science Media Laboratory in Beijing.

Regine Rapp & Christian de Lutz
September 2015


more information:
www.susannahertrich.com