| Summary: | We are made of many parts and many types of parts. Many of these parts are alive and, like the study of the human microbiome has revealed, most of them are not of human origin. In this project, I explore how the microbiome challenges our sense of identity by creating a new view of the body and by blurring the boundary between generations, and even between individuals. The result revolves around the creation of portraits using the microbiome of the subjects as a medium, inviting them to consider their other selves. The project exists in multiple forms: the process of creating the portraits is a participatory performance, and the resulting portraits can be experienced as an installation and online gallery (microbialart.tumblr.com). This work was developed in partnership with Dr. Rob Dunn and Holly Menninger of North Carolina State University and with Dr. Julie Urban of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Collaborating with scientists was key to provide scientific direction, guidance in the development of the protocol and in managing privacy and safety issues.
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