Auto-Insectification

Andrew Wharton MFA thesis exhibition

Reception: May 1, 5:00 - 8:00 p.m.
April 27, 12:00 - 4:00 p.m.
April 28 & 29, 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
April 30, 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
May 1, 11:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Performance Space, Visual Arts Facility, UC San Diego

Auto-Insectification traces the development of the archetype of the homunculus: the inhuman, human-made intelligence through which the human being reflects and reflexively constructs itself. Auto-Insectification denies the homunculus, searching for a new model of intelligence and humanity in the figure of the insect.

Through sculpture, video, sound, and interactive media the show presents an alchemist's laboratory after he has renounced the work of the homunculus, instead choosing to turn himself into an insect. The detritus of his work to produce the homunculus litters the space, and technical artifacts produced to assist in his transformation loom.

Special thanks to the UCSD Visual Arts Department and the Russell Foundation for supporting this thesis project.