[Patricia Piccinini´s SIREN MOLE project // Exallocephalla Parthenopa = Siren Mole = Synthetic Organism 2 = SO2 = uma criatura-kutchikutchi criada por Patricia Picinini usando computadores, silicone e plásticos]
" The Siren Mole (SO2) is based on actual reports of the creation of the world's first fully synthetic, a bacteria-like organism called SO1. Using nothing but chemicals, scientists created a completely new piece of DNA - the genetic basis of life - from scratch.
(...) when zoologists look at SO2 they can tell many things about what it would be like. Its body shape suggests that it might be a good swimmer. (...) One scientist even suggested that its big head and small legs make it look like a baby, and that it would be best suited to live inside, cared for by people.
(...) Excellocephala means 'extremely strange head', a reference to the animal's almost impossibly long and heavy, shovel-like snout. Parthenopa refers to the mythical tale of Parthenope, a siren found cast up drowned on the shores of Naples. (...) . I am grateful to Paul Andrews, a taxonomist at Taronga Zoo, for this wonderfully romantic classification.
(...) Because the creature is an animal, rather than a human being, it allows audiences to address genetic issues without the heightened emotions that the idea of human cloning and manipulation evokes. (...) Heavy head, pale hairless skin and short, frail limbs put it in danger from both predators and the elements. I have created an animal that needs to be looked after, an animal in fact that cries out to be protected.
(...) To my mind the fatal flaw that condemns Doctor Frankenstein in Mary Shelley's story is not hubris. It is not that he has sought to, or even succeeded in, creating life from nothing but his own desire and reason. Frankenstein's mistake is that having done this he does not take responsibility for his creation. Having brought his creature into the world he should also be liable for its life here. He was not a good parent."
