The cactus project is a transgenic artwork involving
the fusion of human genetic material into the
cactus genome resulting in the cactus expressing
human hair.
The cactus project involved the use of the agrobacterium
system introducing the keratin gene into the cells
of the cactus. By taking advantage of the totipotency
of plant cells, the transformed cells were used
to regenerate genetically engineered transgenic
cacti. The logistical challenge was having the
keratin expressed in cactus cells morphologically
similar to hair and for the cactus to produce
it externally.
Due to the undertakings of this cactus project,
I have been left with many questions. The impact
of this project has also left me thinking in relation
to how layered life is…from genes to lineages
to flesh. What is expressed through life - the
genes or our interaction with our surroundings?
How is hair and flesh remediated in the manipulations
of plant and human genes? (The body being the
extension of the genes, and gene an extension
of the syntax.)
This project would have not been possible without
the invaluable assistance of two scientists, Clare
P. Dunkin (biotechnologist), Annabel Awry (PhD
biotechnologist candidate), Paul O'Reilly (lab
technician) and Jean D. Montocchio (botanist),
Rhian F. Biggs (lab assistant), John Clayton (lab
assistant) and Adam Du Preez (cacti-specialist).
Also a big thank for all those involved externally
and for their inputs.
