The Mutability of Memories and Fates presents the solo exhibition by Anna Dumitriu at Alte Saline, Hallein, in Austria. The exhibition marked the first presentation of the full body of work of the same name that resulted from Dumitriu’s collaboration with the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells (IES) at Helmholtz Munich.
As first artist-in-residence program at Helmholtz Munich, initiated by scientist Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla, curated by Claudia Schnugg, the residency unfolded over several years, involving multiple researchers, art-science experiments in the lab, and comprehensive artistic production taking up on diverse ideas discussed and artscience experiments realized between 2020 and 2024.
Inspired by the scientific language of “cell fates” and “cell memories”, she proposed a poetic exploration into the heart of the research at the IES on both a philosophical and a hands-on level. Engaging with all groups at the IES, she was introduced to typical practices in the laboratory by the scientists, while also Dumitriu proposed experiments to challenge assumptions and protocols in the lab while deepening the discussions with the scientists.
Quite a few of these experiences became part of the artist’s artistic outcomes, other artworks are based on more philosophical discussion with the scientists.
At the IES Anna Dumitriu worked with many scientists in the team, including Maria-Elena Torres-Padilla, Federico Pecori, Marion Genet, Adam Burton, Eva Hörmannseder, Clara Hermant featured in the artworks, and many more like Stephan Hamperl and Antonio Scialdone throughout her multiple residency stays and online conversations.
Edited by Claudia Schnugg
Language: English; German
2nd Edition 2026
eBook Edition
ISBN: 979-12-985585-4-0
The eBook can be downloaded here for free (10 MB).
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