Genetic Memory

Genetic Memory What do we carry down from our ancestors? Original family archive portraits with Physarium Polycephalum interference.

Untold stories about my family led me to get my DNA analysed. As 39% of my genes are Italian, I went to the south of Italy, where my ancestors were from, until they immigrated to  Brazil. I wanted to experience and feel the places that they had passed through and soon their memories became tangible; a jumble of interconnected roots in different spatial and temporal dimensions, memories that have contributed to making me the person I am today.

The genetic theory. defends the idea that certain memories, intelligence or behaviour, can be inherited through genetic or epigenetic mechanisms. It involves the storage and transmission of information in an organism's DNA.

I chose to use the Physarium Polycephalum organism, also known as the Blob, as an agent of interference and transformation of photo portraits of my ancestors, to bring new life to them. Moreover, this practically immortal creature has no brain, yet it can learn and share its knowledge with other Blobs. This raises the following question:

If the brainless, unicellular Blob can store and transmit knowledge could we also carry over memories, intelligence and behaviour in our cells?

Original family archive portraits with Physarium Polycephalum  interference (unique pieces) and photos taken during the process.
The organisms used and dried on the photos, if they are hydrated and  have a favorable environment, can live again.