GENESIS
By Xandra van der Eijk (NL)
Through the ongoing research project Genesis, Xandra van der Eijk studies the color properties of extremophiles: microbes that can survive or even thrive under extreme conditions. These life forms can be traced back millions of years, and are thought to be one of the earliest forms of life on the planet. Their robustness and stability, even in environments as unforgiving as space, suggest they are likely the first sort of extraterrestrial life we expect to discover one day.
By sampling fluids from volcanic hot springs and high saline ponds during research trips to Iceland and France, the artist managed to isolate several strains that produce pigments. In collaboration with Arnold Driessen at the University of Groningen, the pigment production of the microbes is mastered and influenced, inducing color change over time. With Genesis, Xandra is hacking the origin of life, ultimately questioning who is in control.
BIO
Xandra was born in the Netherlands and has a masters in music. She graduated from the Interfaculty ArtScience at the Royal Conservatory in The Hague, following her completion of her BA in Graphic Design at the Royal Academy of Art, The Hague. Xandra investigates natural processes and elements, with the concept of time a recurring theme in her work. Through many experiments and thorough theoretical research, these processes develop in conceptual works with a strong visual component. She documents and describes, but never fails to allow space for poetry.
Xandra received the Paul Schuitema prize in 2008 and the Bio Art & Design Award in 2017. She is part of renowned design collective Dutch Invertuals, has participated in many exhibitions and has had many publications. Momentum, her debut, was shown at V2_, at the Marrakech Biennial exhibition On Geometry and Speculation and at the Gramolna Museum during the Meta.Morf Biennale. Her latest installation Seasynthesis was commissioned by Wageningen Marine Research and executed in collaboration with NIOZ Sea Research for the exhibition Life Time at MU Artspace.