genetically modified egg by dominic wilcox

‘genetically modified egg’ by dominic wilcoximage © dominic wilcox

presented at the contemporary and modern art museum of trento and rovereto (mart) in italy is a novel concept by british designer dominic wilcox. the idea for a ‘genetically modified egg cup’ is aimed at placing a spotlight on the possibilities, both positive and negative, of genetic modification. GM is a very real part of contemporary society and will take human and animal life into unpredictable directions in our future world. wilcox believes it is important that we raise discussion on every step of the scientific progress in order to make sure we, as a culture, use the positive aspects of these discoveries while avoiding the potential dangers. the all-in-one egg and cup is one small example of potential uses of GM in order to make everyday life a little bit easier. wilcox ponders a future where the redesign of organic life such as fruit and plants may take on new shapes and forms that accommodate our lives more appropriately. with his project, wilcox also brings up the prospective issues surrounding public concern of problems generated from GM intervention – from one solution a problem also can arise – what is the fate of a hen that needs to lay a cube-shaped egg?

the sketch describes one of wilcox’s ideas for GM food is a fish with a loop for easier fishingimage © dominic wilcox

…or perhaps square peas to stop them rolling away image © dominic wilcox

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the work is part of an exhibition ‘the food project. the shape of taste‘ curated by beppe finessi at the MaRT/ museo di arte moderna e contemporanea di trento e rovereto. the show presents the art of industrial projects and experimental design applied to food. open to public from february 9 to june 2, 2013.