FILM
William Latham
AnimateTV 1993
1993
Duration: 6'41"
Survival of the most aesthetic in a synthetic digital universe of constantly evolving coral forms. From cell to psychedelic, this is DNA with attitude, and a reply to all those who did not think there could be life in the machine.
Credits
Director William Latham
Animator Susie Bissell
Editor Richard Bus
Music Michel Redolfi
Made with the generous help and support of IBM UK
Synopsis
Biogenesis shows the evolution of artificial life forms in a synthetic universe where ‘survival of the fittest’ is replaced by ‘survival of the most aesthetic‘. We see cellular evolution and the replication of mutations forming chain-like structures resembling coral. The artist is like a gardener, breeding, selecting, marrying and steering the course of evolution for creative ends. The film is a record of this evolutionary process. It can be viewed as a psychedelic experience or a more subtle parody of a man’s relationship with the natural world through modern technology.