What if......

Exhibit at the WHAT IF... Exhibition in the Science Gallery, Trinity College, Dublin in 2009
The Race, 2007 by Michael Burton.

"For every one human cell in your body there are ten nonhuman cells - bacteria, viruses, fungi and other microbes - living inside and on you. They are vital to many of your daily functions.  The Race responds to this outcome and human metagenomic research to reconsider our approach to healthcare as a co-evolved organism and conglomeration of vital bacteria, microbes and parasites. The project scrutinizes our inadvertent creation of superbugs like mRSA through the misuse of antibiotics to offer alternative enhancements, new behaviors and objects for a more symbiotic future as an extraordinary balanced ecosystem."

The next new thing

After reviewing Michael Burton's exhaustive vision of the future, I have to post his Lecture at the Paris Nanoart Conference in 2009.  The links to cosmetic application may not be immediately apparent, but it raises questions about aesthetic preference that we will all have to consider in the near future, whether we like it or not since Nanotechnologies are already in use in the cosmetics industry. Nonetheless, nanotechnology will become the next new thing in beauty products and skincare and we need to consider the capacity of nanotech to improve cosmetic application and and its effect on design on the body in the future.

Examples of new nanotechnology applications in personal care products include: 

L’Oreal (which ranks No. 6 in nanotechnology patent holders in the U.S.) has used polymer nanocapsules to deliver active ingredients, e.g. retinol or Vitamin A, into the deeper layers of skin. In 1998 the company unveiled Plentitude Revitalift, an anti-wrinkle cream using nanoparticles.  

Procter & Gamble’s Olay brand was designed with nanoemulsion technology in 2005.

Other companies using nanotech in their skin products as of 2005 include: Mary Kay and Clinique from Lauder; Neutrogena, from Johnson & Johnson; Avon; and the Estee Lauder brand. 

Nanotopia

In an attempt to consider the future of design development through cosmetic construction of the face and body, it is always exciting to find work at the cutting edge of science and technology. Nanotopia, is such a work, and in doing so it suggests alternative ideologies by presenting a future vision for people at the extremities of the social classes.  Michael Burton's  project references how people currently use their bodies as a last resort, to sell their hair, blood and kidneys. Nanotopia then envisions a future where the poorest utilise new possibilities of fusing nanotechnology and the body as real-estate. In reaction to this use of the body, the film also visualises the changes in bodily aesthetics within the upper classes.  Burton's vision is important in considering the future of what we desire cosmetic application to be.  Is this such a big leap from the current fashionisation of body modification such as cosmetic surgery, subdermal implants, piercing, scarification and tattooing?

Recently, in presenting the premise of Nanotopia, my observation of the reaction of others to Burton's proposition for the future has been one of shock, disbelief  and barely hidden disgust. Yet further discussions of what they deem acceptable today, aesthetically and morally, in comparison with 10-15 years ago only serves to suggest that we are more prepared for this vision of the future than we think.

Video clip: nanotopia