Monument to Immortality

Monument to Immortality forms part of an ongoing art-science collaboration between Dr Kratz and Dr Hart from CAM and Professor Hutmacher from the Centre for Regenerative Medicine at QUT. Inspired by popular cultural representations of life extension and bioengineering, the work interrogates the concept of immortality and the way in which cultural narratives of indefinite life and resurrection are re-inscribed into contemporary computing and life technologies. In particular, the work critically examines the idea of ‘the human body as spare part’ and the viewpoint that eventually humans will be able to replace the body with technological substitutes including biomanufactured tissues and robotic bodies with a downloadable consciousness.

The artwork tests visual and conceptual communication strategies. The work incorporates glowing sigils composed of alchemical symbols as well as references to the Transhumanist movement and the belief that science and technology will enable humans to live forever. The monument also includes a bioreactor showcasing scaffolds of body parts and video panels that comment on the influence of visual culture on public perceptions of technological progress. The monument also includes a holographic representation that references the concept of the soul as a vital force of life. In combination, the different elements encourage viewers to consider their own position regarding engineered immortality. The work contributes to new media art and illustrates the potential for the combination of art and science to critically represent popular technological assumptions.