Exhibition Review: Wellcome Collection – Genetic automata

Genetic Automata, a captivating exhibition created by Larry Achiampong and David Blandy, delves into the complexities of race and identity in the modern era of avatars, videogames, and DNA ancestry. Through a series of four mesmerising video installations, the artists skilfully merge historical artifacts with digital environments, inviting viewers to critically examine the historical and ongoing impact of scientific racism.

Achiampong and Blandy have contrasting backgrounds and experiences: one is working-class and of Ghanaian heritage, and the other is middle-class and of English heritage. This allows them to bring a unique perspective to the exploration of popular culture and the postcolonial condition. Genetic Automata confronts viewers with profound questions about culture, discrimination, and societal embedding of racial ideologies.

The exhibition is housed in dark rooms that serve as a backdrop for the four videos, each being 12 to 16 minutes in length. One of the notable features is the artists' use of their passion for videogames to shed light on racial issues. Some of the animations within the videos have been produced by the artists using the UnReal World game engine, combining their passion for videogames with their interest in racial ideologies. Additionally, the inclusion of artifacts from the UCL archives, which holds ties to Francis Galton, a prominent figure in the history of eugenics, adds an authentic historical context to the exhibition (see BioNews 1176).

Throughout Genetic Automata, themes of oppression and racial abuse are artfully intertwined with references to videogame non-playable characters. The artists draw intriguing parallels between the issues of those suffering from racial discrimination and the limitations faced by non-playable characters in videogames. The exhibition challenges viewers to reflect on the concerning nature of discriminatory practices, both within fictional realms and the real world.

One of the most impactful videos within the exhibition centres around the story of Henrietta Lacks (see BioNews 591 and 1117), a woman whose immortal cells were taken without her permission after a cancer biopsy. The video adopts a first-person perspective, providing a fictional account from Henrietta's viewpoint. This unique approach causes the viewer to consider her story in a different way, with the voiceover talking about her being manipulated and mutated as a living entity, and not just her cells. It also brings in the idea of ownership and consent, as her genetic code, and that of her family, became accessible to all. The simple yet powerful graphics, coupled with powerful poems overlaid on the videos, evoke deep emotions and invite a reconsideration of racial perspectives.

The exhibition shines a spotlight on the representation of race in video game characters. By showcasing scenes from real video games with narratives of white saviours and non-white enemies or zombies, Achiampong and Blandy reveal the systemic issues ingrained within the gaming industry. Having enjoyed gaming myself growing up, the video makes you realise the norms within most games and how they are overlooked. The comparison of non-playable characters and the oppression faced by marginalised communities further emphasises the presence of these issues in both fiction and reality.

To enhance the viewers' understanding and engagement with the exhibition, an audio guide is available. It provides crucial context and insights from individuals involved in the creation of the exhibition. The inclusion of perspectives, such as those of a genetic counsellor, who shares her observations of underrepresentation in her field, adds additional layers of depth. By weaving together personal narratives and research, the exhibition encourages visitors to contemplate the impact of racial inequities across various domains.

The dangerous act of classifying individuals into distinct groups is tackled, drawing attention to the risks associated with such practices. Parallels are drawn between ancient archaeology and modern-day data mining, highlighting unacknowledged black contributors to significant discoveries. Moreover, the artists shed light on the controversies surrounding DNA heritage kits, exposing the Eurocentric lens and disparities in research.

Genetic Automata is a remarkable exhibition that successfully tackles the intricate themes of race, identity, and societal structures. Achiampong and Blandy artfully merge historical artefacts with digital environments, offering a profound exploration of scientific racism and its ongoing impact. The exhibition's thought-provoking videos, complemented by powerful poems and the audio guide, challenge viewers to reconsider their perspectives and confront the nature of racial bias. Genetic Automata is a must-visit for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities of race and identity in the modern age.