Aphrodite’s Conception: Reproduction Myths and Contemporary Biotechnology

This lecture-performance – an interdisciplinary performance artwork by artist Boryana Rossa – developed in close exchange with biologist Dr. Heidi Hehnly speculates on how the economics of surrogacy, the development of artificial wombs, and technological possibilities such as in-vitro fertilization, and cloning may shape our society and understanding of the role of the caregiver. Through visual and textual narratives performed live by the artist this work examines the parallels between reproduction myths of varieties of cultures, natural reproductive phenomena, and the studied contemporary reproductive biotechnologies. The goal of this ongoing research is to expose the connection between mythology and biotechnologies that may not be immediately apparent, and to point to their emerging similarities, revealing shared archetypes of conception, pregnancy and care. 

Ancient myths offer diverse and imaginative accounts of procreation that have profoundly shaped cultures. Among them is the tale of the Thracian goddess Bendis, who self-inseminates and gives birth to her future husband, Zis. Aphrodite is born from the sea. Another legend tells of Hera, who, angry toward her husband Zeus, conceives Hephaestus by consuming enchanted herbs. Hephaestus, in turn, plays a key role in the “triple parenthood” of Erichthonius, the first king of Athens. The project explores future sci-fi scenarios in which parental roles and social dynamics are changed because of these advances in biotechnology. 

Aphrodite’s Conception is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

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The Bio Art Mixer was initiated by Heidi Hehnly (Biology, SU) and Boryana Rossa (Film and Media Arts, SU) in collaboration with the Canary Lab and Bioinspired Institute and is a fundamental element of the Bio-Art Research Coalition of Syracuse
Bioartcoalition.org