Between the Lines
Keywords: Systems, HCI, bio-hacking, immigration, cybernetics
Synthetic DNA, ink, paper
3m x 1m
Between the Lines weaves the personal experiences of individuals subjected to the UK border regime back into the systems that govern them. By combining traditional administrative tools of pen and paper with cutting-edge DNA data storage technology, the project infiltrates the bureaucratic systems of the UK Border Regime.
Today’s border regime is a techno political system that stretches beyond geographic boundaries. These systems rely on the quantification of human experiences, reducing them to mathematical formulas and transforming individuals into statistical risk ratings.
The project involves individuals recording their testimonies, converting them into binary data, and encoding them into synthetic DNA. This DNA-infused ink is injected into pens and distributed to frontline administrative workers. As the pens are used, the synthetic DNA transfers to paper, embedding the lived experiences within the bureaucratic system.
The project seeks to highlight the human experiences behind the numbers and statistics, raising public awareness of the dehumanizing nature of the border regime. Through its creative interventions, the project aims to create a sense of shared responsibility towards upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals impacted by the border regime and promote a more compassionate and inclusive understanding of immigration policies.
Sarah Selby is a visual artist who uses software, programming, and emerging technologies to explore digital culture, posing critical questions about its societal, ethical, and environmental ramifications. Her work concentrates on human-machine assemblages, examining how different technologies mediate our behaviour, interactions, and experiences.
