Transhumanism

I am working on a new manifesto.

I am moving into new territory with my artwork and I want to make a statement about how I intend to go forward with it all.

I’ve been thinking a lot about being nostalgic of the past and how this keeps me protected from fears of the future. I definitely have had a huge reaction to recent political movements that want to return to the way things were before. It has made me take a new look at my fascination for the past, the why of it and to question if it is really dangerous for me to project an image of someone who loves the past. (I think about my style and the way I dress in mostly vintage clothes).

Since seeing an exposition called Computer Grrrls, here in Paris in 2019, I’ve felt an intense desire to bring my art into the future. I want to collaborate with artists and use technology to make my art and my message really cutting edge.

I was already working with hybrids and interested in freaks of nature, and someone told me to check out the Cyborg Manifesto and I started to become fascinated with transhumanism. For me transhumanism is the next phase in human evolution. Humans are/will meld with the technologies that they have created.

Here is the Transhumanism manifesto:

TRANSHUMANIST ARTS STATEMENT by Natasha Vita-More, 2003

We are transhumans
Our art integrates the most eminent progression
of creativity and sensibility
merged by discovery. 

Transhumanist Arts represent the aesthetic and creative culture of transhumanity.
Transhumanist Artists are developing new and varied modes of art.
Our aesthetics and expressions are merging with science and technology in
designing increased sensory experiences. 

Transhumans want to improve and extend life.
We are designing the technologies to improve and extend life.
Emotions are integral to our senses and understanding.
We are designing the technologies to enhance our senses and understanding.

The transhumanist ecology and freedom exercises self-awareness and self-responsibility.
If our art represents who we are, then let us choose to be transhumanist
not only in our bodies, but also in our values.
Transhumanist Artists embrace the creative innovations of transhumanity.
We are ardent activists in pursuing infinite transformation, overcoming death and exploring the universe. 

Transhumans want to improve and extend life.
We are designing the technologies to improve and extend life.
Emotions are integral to our senses and understanding.
We are designing the technologies to enhance our senses and understanding.

As Transhumanist Arts come into focus
As more artists join our efforts
As more designs are produced
As more music is composed
As more stories are written
As the tools and ideas of our art continue to evolve,
So too shall we.

My manifesto will be different, but I would gladly sign on to this one.

Here are some works that I’ve done in the past that already pre-date my recent ideas about mutation, chimeras and transhumanism.