Vavilovian Mammalia Mimicry of Aviation. 2015

Vavilovian Mammalia Mimicry of Aviation (VMMA) refers to the transformation process from human to flying human, as an installation that documents the transformation process of a 21st-century Icarus.

The narrative merges myth with technology, presenting an example of how modern technology (DIY-bio, youtube, eBay etc.) can advise any enquiry, which in this case has manifested an ability to fly. With all of the tools and information available these days, how close can Icarus get to flying? The project takes inspiration from genuine scientific research, albeit hypothetically applied, and aims to open enquiry to the application of emerging technologies. Particularly in the average young adults hands. Icarus' workshop is filled with her* tools and creations beyond wax and feathers: dissected wings of animals and insects, manufactured flying apparatus, documentation of experiments in suppressed aeronautics and zero gravity.

Photos, videos, sketches and equations track Icarus' progress: from a young child's inquisitive explorations, through to a young adults body-altering experiments. The project is currently a selection of tools, photos, sketches and a video that present the the remnants left behind, with Icarus nowhere to be seen.

Did she make it past the sun? Or is it all just speculation?

* Icarus is 'she'.

The video  shown above was displayed in the cabinet, exploring captured clips of process and playing music through the room.