EMERIC CHANTIER: Internal Chimeras

3 - 26 May 2021

A2Z Art Gallery is proud and honored to present “Internal Chimeras”, the fourth solo exhibition of Émeric CHANTIER in Paris, who also participates in an exhibition entitled “The Earth as an Heritage”, From Neolithic Period to Us at the Musée des Confluences in Lyon now until 13th February 2022.

The human body is a complex biological machine. The molecule, the scientific element which Émeric CHANTIER points out today, is the second level of natural organization, evolving between the atomic and the cellular structure.

Our actions are governed by our emotions. They are the uncontrollable results of an internal chemistry, oriented by biological laws. Human beings are now at a milestone towards transhumanism, seeking to challenge our biotic condition, experimenting with the limits of science, and trying to dominate the natural laws inherent to our existence with industry and technology. Using machines as an extension to the human body and then looking for a more controlled internal chemistry, the idea of evolving hands in hands with science never ceases to inhabit the fantasy of our daily lives.

Man-made synthetic molecules allegorically represented by metallic structures in the works, connected to the natural molecules interpreted by Émeric CHANTIER. Seeking to improve the cognitive and intellectual capacities of the living creatures, these modified molecules go so far as to transform the very morphology of a hybrid brain, which has become half natural and half mechanical.

Several reflections between scientific, ethical, legislative, and civil bodies are then emerging: Can we control lives as if we were the owner of it? Indeed, what are the limitations on using the knowledge on ourselves? Finally, how could ethics be defined in the future?