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University Museums, Iowa State University prohibits the copying or reproduction in any medium o ...
Shotgun Method
University Museums, Iowa State University prohibits the copying or reproduction in any medium o ...
University Museums, Iowa State University prohibits the copying or reproduction in any medium of materials on this website with the following exceptions: Iowa State University students, faculty, and staff for educational use in formal instruction, papers, presentations and projects; limited non-commercial; and personal use that meets the criteria for fair use as defined in the U.S. copyright laws. Images from the University Museums’ collection cannot be used for publication, apparel/non-apparel merchandise, digital or commercial purposes without prior written permission from the University Museums, Iowa State University. Fair use does not apply to the extent that a license agreement or other contract controls reproduction or other use. University Museums and Iowa State University makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright of the art object depicted in the photo materials and assumes no responsibility for any claims by third parties arising out of use of the photo materials. Users must obtain all other permissions required for usage of the art object and the photo materials. For more information, please see http://www.museums.iastate.edu/ImageReproduction.html

Shotgun Method

Object NameSculpture
Artist / Maker (British-American, b. 1948)
Manufacturer (American, b. 1955)
Date1991
OriginUSA
MediumTerra-cotta
Dimensions(Each Medallion): 28 x 28 x 5/8 in. (71.1 x 71.1 x 1.6 cm)
ClassificationsSculpture
Credit LineAn Iowa Art in State Buildings Project for the Molecular Biology Building. In the Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
CopyrightUniversity Museums, Iowa State University prohibits the copying or reproduction in any medium of materials on this website with the following exceptions: Iowa State University students, faculty, and staff for educational use in formal instruction, papers, presentations and projects; limited non-commercial; and personal use that meets the criteria for fair use as defined in the U.S. copyright laws. Images from the University Museums’ collection cannot be used for publication, apparel/non-apparel merchandise, digital or commercial purposes without prior written permission from the University Museums, Iowa State University. Fair use does not apply to the extent that a license agreement or other contract controls reproduction or other use. University Museums and Iowa State University makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright of the art object depicted in the photo materials and assumes no responsibility for any claims by third parties arising out of use of the photo materials. Users must obtain all other permissions required for usage of the art object and the photo materials. For more information, please see http://www.museums.iastate.edu/ImageReproduction.html
Object numberU91.74a-x
Status
On view
Label TextShotgun Method visualizes the process of genetic modification. The top row of disks features mythological animals. In the middle row, these creatures are deconstructed into their various parts – wings, legs, claws, and bellies – which seem to furiously spiral around the disk. In the bottom row, the parts are reassembled into a new hybrid mythical creature, and it is given a number – its new genetic code. The use of mythological creatures, here and in Hybrids, is significant in that it shows humans have been interested in, and fearful of, mixing different species for 30 centuries - long before science made genetic engineering a real possibility. The title Shotgun Method is a term from science which refers to random selection. When creating the second and third row of disks, Leicester literally drew the numbered animal parts at random to form his new creatures and genetic codes. The title can also refer to the way in which gene fragments from one organism are “shot” into the cell walls of another to make a new type of organism. The imprecision of the shotgun as a weapon also brings to mind the idea of doing things too hastily, or without care. Shotgun Method is an example of how art and architecture can be almost completely integrated. It is more subtle than the other parts of the G-Nome Project, which surround the Molecular Biology Building. This is partially due to the disks’ tan color, which almost matches the walls on which they are mounted, and partially due to their location. The lowest row of disks is above the second story of the building, well above the viewers head – literally, if not figuratively. Then, the rows are each a story apart, so the medallions stretch to the top of the building and span the entire length of the atrium on both sides. The disks surround the viewer and are so spread that it is impossible to see more than a few at a time. A researcher hurrying off to the laboratory may not even notice their presence. Many non-scientists may regard genetic engineering in this absentminded sort of way. The results of this science are all around us, but we may not think about the issues – or all sides of the issues – all that often, and it takes a conscious effort to put all of the pieces together.
Locations
  • (not entered)  Iowa State University, Molecular Biology, Atrium
Hy-Brids
Object Name: Sculptures
Andrew Leicester
1991
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Object Name: Teacup and saucer
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