Artwork description:

Disruptors is a series of 4 hand coloured screen prints depicting animals that have disrupted the normal genetic pattern, through genetic mutations, to end up with unusual markings. They are inspired by traditional natural history illustrations, but portray 'odd ones out'.

Each print of the edition is screen printed in black on on to Hahnemuhle 300gsm etching paper, then hand coloured with watercolours, so each print is unique.

Most new mutations reduce the fitness of their carriers, that is, they are deleterious and will be selected against, so that the vast majority of them will eventually be removed from the population. In rare cases, the mutation is advantageous and is positively selected. Without mutation, which introduces new variation into the population, there can be no selection.

I see these animals as pioneers, trying out something new to see if it will succeed. Everything is at stake, life or death. A new 'look' could save its species, or, more likely, end with it.

The zebra foal with spots instead of stripes stands out in the crowd, but it is oblivious to its unusual look. Sadly it is likely it will not live beyond its youth, the tried and tested stripy formula of its counterparts as yet creates the strongest herd.

Most of these mutations are thought to be a result of inbreeding. As populations shrink, and the genetic pool with them, there are less and less opportunities to try out something new, and save themselves from disappearing forever. Hail these pioneers in their last chance saloon.

Materials used:

Black outline screen printed onto Hahnemuhle 300gsm etching paper, then handcoloured with watercolours

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