Pillars of Creation

Pillars of Creation
2024
Clinostat LED hologram, brain organoid incubator, electrode array prototype, tourbillon dementia clock, DNA printer prototype, laser projection, hamsa rug.
108.27 x 86.6 x 84.65 in.

Commissioned and curated by Fathomers
Japan American Cultural Community Center, Los Angeles

Pillars of Creation is an interpretation of the four-armed god of creation, Brahma, embodies the cyborgian nature of the present human being. Today, our bodies are transformed by technology that operates on us, in us, and with us. Tan’s Brahma sculpture holds aloft in each of his four hands a symbolic artifact, variously representing knowledge, as a DNA printer and synthesizer; cosmic energy, as a clinostat and brain organoid on a chip; time, as a a “dementia” tourbillon clock; and finally sacrifice, as a cultivated yeast or bacteria. Each of these objects tell a story about the future that human society is crafting for itself–will we become gods or machines?

Documentation: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ZPZASFT6X5emQPLUA

#democratize God’ tools of creation with open-source technologies

Inspired by Brahma’s hand cradling the cosmic energy, this brain organoid incubator nurtures nascent neural structures. Within this controlled environment, mirroring the cosmic forces of creation, the intricate dance of neural development unfolds. This technology allows us to witness the genesis of intelligence, a testament to the awe-inspiring power of creation.

Inspired by Brahma’s hand holding the script of creation, this DNA printer empowers us to become co-creators. By mimicking the intricate dance of life within DNA, this technology allows us to author new life forms and rewrite the very fabric of existence.

The “Tourbillion Demential Clock” embodies the paradox of time. Like Brahma’s hand clutching rosary beads, it strives for perfect timekeeping, symbolized by the tourbillon’s counteracting gravity. Yet, the “dementia clock,” inspired by cognitive tests, tragically mirrors the human experience: a gradual forgetting of time itself, despite the clock’s relentless march.

Elixir of Life
The “Elixir of Life” project delves into the transformative potential of stem cell technology. It explores the possibility of stem cells becoming a “cure” for various human ailments, effectively extending lifespan and improving quality of life.

Furthermore, this project examines the crucial interplay between scientific advancements and public perception. It investigates how public views on novel drug discoveries, the burgeoning field of biotechnology, and the emergence of new beliefs and trust, Does this trust stem from a deep understanding of the underlying science, or does it resonate with more ancient beliefs, perhaps echoing the principles of animism.