Genetic Automata exhibition at Wellcome Collection explores biocybernetic art through animation and racial science

The Genetic Automata series, crafted by Larry Achiampong and David Blandy, is currently on display at the Wellcome Collection in London. This collection of four essay-films delves into the interplay between biological elements and digital technology, while also tackling issues of racial representation. The exhibition merges artistic works with historical artifacts related to scientific racism and speculative fiction, featuring Afrofuturist comics by Nnedi Okorafor and elements from Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid. A Terrible Fiction (2019) reflects on John Edmonstone's influence on Darwin regarding taxidermy and the biases in evolutionary biology. A Lament for Power (2020) incorporates Henrietta Lacks's voice alongside clips from Resident Evil 5, critiquing the unauthorized biomedical exploitation of her cancer cells. The exhibit draws on W.J.T. Mitchell's 2003 essay and includes Francis Galton's research alongside Disney's animation methods. GOD_MODE (2023) challenges the re-emergence of racial capitalism through fluid identities.