“CODE SWITCH #1” is a research project combining science and art and, more specifically, epigenetics and video and performance art. It is the brain child of Italian artist Cristina Ghinassi and Maltese geneticist Edward Duca.
The key question is: can performance art bring about epigenetic changes in the individuals participating in the art form? By blending scientific research and new media art, the project is designed to show the impact life styles and social milieus have on our genes and on who we are. With this in mind the project set out to measure the physiological characteristics and the DNA methylation (an epigenetic property) in specific areas of an artist’s (Cristina Ghinassi) DNA before and after a test performance.
The results, also based on interviews with Maltese scientists and experts, will be presented at the Italian Cultural Institute in La Valletta on the occasion of an event addressed to scientists, artists and other parties interested in this sort of innovative projects. “CODE SWITCH #1” is supported by Malta Arts Fund in collaboration with Spazju Kreattiv at St James Cavalier, while the Italian Cultural Institute is its project partner and the Science in the City Festival its dissemination partner.
