EpiGeneScapes & Drawn for Thought

Paul Harrison

Epigenetics is currently an expanding field of biomedical research relating to changes in gene expression, phenotype, and heredity as a result of external or environmental factors. The term, an adaptation of Aristotle’s theory of Epigenesis, was initially coined by developmental biologist and philosopher C.H. Waddington in 1942 to describe how genes might interact with their surroundings. During his recent tenure as resident artist with the EpiGeneSys European Network of Excellence, Harrison’s research has led to a variety of outcomes, including animations, sculptures, installations, performances, interactive games, and a vinyl album and book publication. As with the ‘EpiGeneScapes’ series exhibited here (developed through an animation collaboration2) print and printmaking methods have been integral to the ongoing investigation - the processes of which can also be considered generally as analogous to the model of the Epigenetic Landscape. This research has led to a variety of outcomes, including animations, sculptures, installations, performances, interactive games and a vinyl album and book publication. As with the EpiGeneScapes series exhibited for Dyscorpia (developed in collaboration with Dr Mhairi Towler and Link Li), print and printmaking methods have been integral to Harrison’s ongoing investigation on the original model of “Epigenetic Landscape” conceived by Waddington in the 1940s.