Agonism / Antagonism

About

Torres Tamarit has been on a one-year residency with the Max Reuter laboratory at UCL Department of Genetics, Evolution & Environment, where she has been immersed in the research, techniques, and tools used to study the genetic evolution of fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). Dr Max Reuter and his team use fruit flies to conduct research into the evolution of sexual dimorphism and how adaptive divergence between the sexes is constrained by the genetics of male and female traits.

The results of the residency focus on a phenomenon known as sexual antagonism, a genetic tug-of-war that occurs between sexes that share a genome but have different needs from it.

The resulting exhibition reflects the aesthetic environment of the laboratory, Neus’ ongoing interest in the artificial and natural polymers that pervade our environment, the genetic processes that drive sexual dimorphism, and the fruit flies themselves.

The Grant Museum of Zoology, one of the oldest natural history collections in the UK, will host artworks exploring these ideas, presented through a range of media including sculpture, installation and digital animations, set amongst a spectacular permanent collection of specimens.

There will also be opportunities to further explore the animated worlds presented in the exhibition through interactive virtual reality at both the Grant Museum and the nearby North Lodge.