- Genpet
Genpets are a
mixed media installationart piece by artist Adam Brandejs. [ [http://www.snopes.com/critters/crusader/genpets.asp Genpets] atSnopes.com , June 27, 2006.] It is considered a "hoax of exposure". The project has been shown in multiple galleries in Canada and Europe and has garnered some attention in the mass media.The creations were sculpted, automated creatures made of
latex andplastic , and housed robotic circuitry to simulate slow respiration. They looked like small, baldskinnedhumanoids , and were intended to be displayed as living, but dormant, bioengineered creatures for purchase as pets. The fabricated packaging indicated a purchaser had a choice of colors, for different personalities and levels of activity, [ [http://www.gushmagazine.com/article/genpets-pets-of-the-future/ "Genpets - Pets of the Future"] , [http://www.gushmagazine.com/ "GUSH Magazine"] , June 1, 2006.] and that the creatures had a limited vocal capacity. The sculptures and packaging, along with the professional-appearing hoax website, are so realistic that observers are often fooled. [ Mitchell, Dan, [http://www.nytimes.com/2006/06/24/business/24online.html?ex=1308801600&en=d7cfb03cf7fa8dc3&ei=5088&partner=rssnyt&emc=rss "Artistic Pet License"] , "The New York Times ", June 24, 2005.] [O'Brien, Jennifer, [http://lfpress.ca/newsstand/News/Local/2006/07/04/1666689-sun.html "Genpets create uproar: A former Londoner's creature sculptures spark a furor over bioengineering" (Link req. subscription)] , "The London Free Press ", July 4, 2006.]In 2006, Genpets were featured on the weblog for The Museum of Hoaxes in
San Diego ,California . [ [http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/weblog/comments/4198/ Genpets] at [http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/aboutmuseum.html The Museum of Hoaxes website] ] as well as broadcast on BBC News Worldwide on a BBC program called "Click" [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/programmes/click_online/5348210.stm click online] ] as well as the "Times" (UK), the "New York Times" and G4TechTV. [ [http://www.brandejs.ca/cv.php artist cv with article scans] ]All the work was hand done by the artist Adam Brandejs, with assistance from makeup artist Crystal Pallister for the coloring of the creatures. The pictures show the actual 19 genpet units that display at art galleries. Genpets have been displayed at multiple Fine Art galleries and museum displays in both North America and Europe. [ [http://www.brandejs.ca/cv.php Adam Brandejs - Brandejs.ca - cv ] ]
Notes
External links
* [http://www.genpets.com/index.php Genpets official website (hoax)]
* [http://www.brandejs.ca/portfolio5/gp01.php Genpets explanation site by artist ]
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