Evil Genus

Installation at Kupfer Gallery, March 2020.

There is a plant in the Kalanchoe genus that reproduces in a very specific way: along the length of each leaf generates miniature versions of itself, plantlets capable of independently photosynthesising complete with little dangling roots, which will detach from their mother when disturbed. Common names for the Kalanchoe Daigremontianum include ‘Mother of Thousands’, ‘Devil’s Backbone’ and ‘Evil Genius’. These vernacular titles are symptomatic of both the success and vilification of this reproductive strategy, where a surplus of babies can be produced on demand, especially in times of threat or stress. The ‘Evil Genius’ has adapted its genes to completely bypass the seed-making and pollination processes in favour of externally producing embryonic versions of itself, asexually. These genetic carbon copies fall from their mother to take root in the ground below; any space that can be, will be, taken up and occupied, until the crowd transform from babies into vigorous adolescent competitors. Other notable plants in the Kalanchoe genus include Kalanchoe blossfeldiana, also known as ‘Widow’s-thrill’, and Kalanchoe tubiflora, also known as ‘Mother of Millions.’

Broadcast media has been transformed beyond recognition by new co-authored spaces of digital networking and newsfeeds. The press interview, however, remains the format for significant political or economic events that call for a verbal or physical witness; a voice emerging from a mouth or a visual surrogate for what is not said, but might be... a politically-muted medium. Often implicit within these moments is the paradox of the desire for privacy countered with the collective catharsis of self-exposure.

For Evil Genus, Joey Bryniarska shows work focussing on specific moments of (unwilling) public exposure. Appropriating screen shots of press interviews (Yulia Skripal and Prince Andrew), these are cut and reconstituted as gridded silver gelatin prints toned in Miraclegro fertiliser, alongside blocks of unexpanded coir compost: visual manifestations of mediums of growth and dissemination, yet with no intrinsic nutritional value, in and of themselves. An ‘Evil Genius’ plant remains in a perpetual digital loop of gallery publicity documentation.

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