Play with a giant molecular model overtaking a Victorian greenhouse. Help bring some science to Burning Man!
Mendel's Garden is named after the monk Gregor Mendel, who in the mid 19th century, established the modern principles of genetic inheritance by studying pea plants. Mendel's work was a turning point that has led us to be able to manipulate molecules in place of mating plants. This installation is about considering the birth of this new sort of fertility at the moment. It is the joy of creation and the shadows of doubt about what it could become.
It is fundamentally human to take joy in creation, and creating a living thing is the acme of this desire. Mendel's Garden will indulge participants in this joy. They will create a greenhouse full of artificial plants, built like tinkertoys. The parts will resemble those of a molecular model, resulting in a greenhouse not only full of verdant plants but also populated by novel biological compounds. It is the cusp between two types fertility.
The joy we take in creation is difficult to temper, even when we suspect consequences. The growing science of
genetics is no exception, darkened by dystopian visions such as that of Blade Runner & Gattica as well as real
concerns such as GM crops. These concerns will be foreshadowed in friezes of well-accepted hybrids (corn,
tomatoes, wheat, etc) that subtly incorporate characters such as a Blade Runner replicant or Audrey the plant. But
in Mendel's Garden, these are a shade of what might be, and far from an inevitability.
How do these concerns balance against our unquenchable drive to create? Mendel's Garden is situated at a point of possibility. Participants will be able to indulge the joy of creation, and follow that with a question of outcomes.
As we embrace an inevitable new fecundity, how do we manage the lurking demons? Mendel's Garden, when it burns, will provide a resounding answer. When the wooden greenhouse glows with flame, beautiful steel plants hidden within its structure will become visible and remain after it falls. As long as we embrace a fecund fertility, new and beautiful forms of life will emerge with such vigor that they leave little room for dystopian adaptations.
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Funding period
Jul 23, 2012 -
Aug 5, 2012
- First created · 14 backed
- Chassy Cleland 557 friends
- Website: devildream.com
Pledge $12 or more
18 backers Limited (12 of 30 left)
For a minimal donation of $12 you get a beautiful 3" patch shipped straight to you to show of your love of science and genetics. After all, haven't you heard that science is the new art?
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $25 or more
7 backers Limited (18 of 25 left)
Handy silk screened bandana with the logo, perfect to use as a face mask against dust storms! Use Mendel's Garden logo to show off your love of science and genetics. Tell the Burner community I believe in evolution and recombinate DNA. You can change your pants but Mendel's Garden can change your Genes.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $30 or more
0 backers Limited (25 of 25 left)
Hand silkscreened Punnet Square bandana. What do you get when you cross a dominant and recessive burner? Keep this handy diagram nearby.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $40 or more
7 backers Limited (93 of 100 left)
You get a lovely set of dogtags with Mendel’s Garden logo on the front. After a day in the desert sun, drinking and dancing, people will approach you to ask, “What are those?” and you can answer, “Mendel’s Garden, where you can change your pants but we can change your Gene’s”. Your dogtags will be shipped to you as soon as this fundraiser ends, and everyone on the playa will recognize your contribution to science and the fertility of Burningman.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $45 or more
8 backers Limited (12 of 20 left)
For a donation of $45 you get an awesome limited edition hand silk screened t-shirt to show off your love of playa and genetics.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $60 or more
10 backers Limited (40 of 50 left)
When you give $60 or more you get an 8 oz flask with Mendel’s Garden logo on the front. What better way to spread your Gene’s than with some libations of the alcoholic type presented in a Menedel’s Garden flask (alcohol not included). Science isn’t all hard work and no play. Your flask will be shipped to you as soon as this fundraiser ends, and everyone on the playa will want to get into your pants after a hit on this flask.
Estimated delivery: Aug 2012Pledge $175 or more
1 backer Limited (1 of 2 left)
Ever wanted to rock climb, but not sure what smearing means? Not sure how to wear a harness or how to walk up walls? Grab a 2 hour introductory course by Guyton given at swanky Mission Cliffs in San Francisco- all equipment included- and learn how! Course includes complimentary taco truck goodness and a silk-screened item of your choice!
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012Pledge $600 or more
1 backer All gone!
Private party for 20 people on a lush garden roof top in the heart of the east village.The furnished roof top has spectacular views that include the empire state building, full beverages and a abundance of Italian delicacies and assorted hors d'oeuvre, topped off with a live DJ. Truly a night to remember for you and your friends.
Estimated delivery: Sep 2012Pledge $2,000 or more
0 backers Limited (1 of 1 left)
The Brooklyn Bridge... bench. Chassy will build you a replica of the Brooklyn Bridge bench that was a part of last year's NYC CORE project, The Tree of Heaven. This will be shipped by freight anywhere in the continental US. If you're outside the continental US, contact me as we figure something out! Photo of the original bench: http://devildream.com
Estimated delivery: Oct 2012
