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epiSkin: Artificial Skin Jewelry
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Upcoming: EpiSkin at the BapLab Bushwick Art Project July 22nd, 2006 epiSkin jewelry extends biological identity by combining technology and design into a new decorative body surface. This project is an exploration into the decorative technological control over biology to create an artifact which is a hybrid of both. Cultured in a lab, this biological jewelry is made of epithelia cells which grow to create an artificial skin. The cells are grown into custom designed forms, controlled by the artist. The cells are incubated for a period of time, following which they are stained with a custom dye. The skin is then visibly sealed into a wearable object. The process in creating these pieces includes human tissue culturing as well as computer generated form on which the cells are cultured and then transplanted into adaptive jewelry. The jewelry is worn on the body, completing the relationship of biological cells mediated by technology.  displayed at ITP Winter Show  displayed at ITP Winter Show  displayed at ITP Winter Show  sigi and masa visit epiSkin 
me wearing the first prototype Process notes check back for full documentation of the creation of epiSkin 
this is the structural form the cells are grow on. 
cell growth media being prepared. 
the sterile environment where cell preparation takes place. Resources: Big Special thanks to Antonio Herrara PHD Candidate @ the Dr. Carol Reiss Lab NYU Dr. Sun laboratory at NYU providing the epithelia cell line: http://www.med.nyu.edu/sun/ The NYU biology department labs providing incubators: http://www.nyu.edu/fas/dept/biology/ The NYU arts technology group fabricating custom made petri dishes: http://www.nyu.edu/its/atg/ |
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Additional sources and inspiration:
biotech hobbyist magazine skin kit PDF by Natalie Jeremijenko BioMimicry Critical Art Ensemble The Tissue Culture & Art Project |