The Absence of Alice #3

The Absence of Alice: Lines of Flight and Self-Assemblage, the third iteration within The Absence of Alice, reflects an evolving engagement with biotechnological themes and expands on the transformative journey of Saos-2 cells exploring how these cells embody continual "becoming." Drawing on Deleuzian and Guattarian ideas of “lines of flight” and “assemblage,” the exhibition reimagines Alice’s cells as part of a dynamic network of biological, cultural, and philosophical connections.

Each piece contributes to an interlinked structure that emphasises chance, iteration, and life’s inherent unpredictability. Works include A Shrine for Algernon, a lifelike fetal calf sculpture symbolizing unseen sacrifices in both biological research and consumption; The Contamination of Alice, featuring wire structures that represent the impact of unforeseen influences, like fungal contamination in cell cultures; and Patterns in Randomness, a computational piece generating rhizome-like neural structureslinking embodiment with creative randomness. Lastly, The Materiality of Absence explores the conceptual possibilities opened by accidents, embodying the theme of "becoming" through the acceptance of rupture and unexpected change.

PROJECT PARTNERS: The Absence of Alice: Lines of Flight and Self-Assemblage was developed in a creative partnership between The Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) and The Creative Industries Faculty (CIF) at QUT, Brisbane (Aus). Completion of works would not be possible without the support from the Tissue Repair and Regeneration (TRR) Group and CIF technical staff.  Special thanks to Dr Tony Parker, Dr Derek Van Lonkhuyzen and Jacqui McGovern from IHBI and visual arts technician Michael Riddle.  Many thanks are also extended to: Dr Dan Mafe, Dr Courtney Pedersen and Prof. Zee Upton.