LIE  

Lactation Induction Engine

Bio-Hacking: Multi-Media 

2021- 2022


SAIC Washington Galleries 

Mana Contemporary Art, Chicago (forthcoming)



This project begins by examining the function of our productive host organs, such as the breasts, in our bodies. Is it true that they are responsible to serve others, or can they function independently? In September 2021, I drafted a plan for intense pumping sessions and I began the project. I documented the whole procedure by photographing and filming each session. Later on, this project, like many other durational art forms, incorporates additional concepts such as non-gender-related context. Because the enforcement of the mechanical effect of the pumping machine was overwhelming for the body, I decided to incorporate new media to make this lie believable to my body. By use of sound and listening to the baby's crying, watching videos related to breastfeeding as well as creating a perfume with the baby's aroma, I tried to replace the effect of hormones and medication. In the next phase of the project, I merged all these formats and created an immersive VR and AR environment. In addition, I designed a lactation bag to make this procedure easier when I am outside. In the 18th week of the project, the ultrasound confirmed the activation of breast ducts, and in the 21st week, the first colostrum started to flow. This project is ongoing.

Poetry is a form of expression where the language has become more creative. When we want something in the absence of something else, the body can be inventive as well. When we are blind, we perceive differently, when we are deaf, we sense sounds and when there is no baby nor pregnancy, we can lactate. This is precisely the poetics I imagined. No baby, body lactate.

Using Format