2025 Magnifying lenses, genetic data (MAOA gene - monoamine oxidase A) First presented at: to be defined
A choreography of eye movement performed with magnifying lenses. The MAOA gene (monoamine oxidase A) regulates three neurotransmitters: serotonin, dopamine and noradrenaline. Genetic variants of MAOA present specific mutations that differ from individual to individual. These mutations are used to build the sequence of the performers’ eye movements: each variation in the gene corresponds to a direction, a speed, a pause of the gaze. The result is a visual score in which the eyes move according to instructions derived from genetics. The magnifying lenses amplify the movement, making every micro-shift of pupil and iris visible to the audience. The scientific review of the genetic data used is by Elena Roscioli. The scientific apparatus is not decorative: the movement sequences are generated directly from the reading of the gene’s mutations. The performers execute the score with no margin for improvisation.
Immanent regime — the variants of the MAOA gene dictate the sequences of eye movement. Each genetic mutation corresponds to a direction, a speed, a pause of the gaze. Here the string is DNA: the code is already in the body, and the performers execute it with no margin for deviation.
Photo: Cristina Crippa Produced by artQ13.