Laboratory Notes
by Ivo Stoilov

John Bryan Gallery
January 10 – April 15, 2005
778 Farmington Avenue, Farmington, CT 06032
www.johnbryangallery.com

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “Laboratory” as place providing opportunity for experimentation, observation, or practice in a field of study. The very specialized nature of such space may obscure the fact that it is to be inhabited by people and therefore infused with their emotions. Within the clean technical confines of the laboratory people love, hate, enjoy and suffer with the same intensity they do on the train stations, hotels and beautiful beaches. This exhibit contains works created within the confines of the laboratory. Scientific symbols, materials and objects were simply let to invade the emerging images. The exhibit contains three groups of works. Images of DNA stained with silver examine the expressive potential of the human genetic material. Living matter contains DNA molecules that vary in length and content from one individual to another. These molecules are visualized through a controlled experimental sequence consisting of extraction, amplification, separation, and staining. The expressive potential of the resulting pictographs resides within each observer’s ability to perceive them as 21st century hieroglyphic symbols of ones self. Polaroid pictures of DNA separated on agarose gels are incorporated on series of mixed media works on paper. Finally, digital prints record the intrusion of non-laboratory items in the scientific space.