Syncrasy | E-NUMBERS V2.0 | Exhibition

Image courtesy of Sneha Solanki

E-Numbers V2.0 by Sneha Solanki, a series of works that explore the unacknowledged microbes within the food system, is one of three exhibitions presented at Summerhall, for the 2021 Science Festival, by artists working across the fields of art, science and technology.

Probing the habitats of the ‘un-natural‘, Sneha Solanki presents a new and expanding rendition of the 'E-Number’ food additive system. Focusing on the emerging changes taking shape in our food landscape, this ‘version 2.0’ includes only micro-organisms that have been intentionally and genetically altered, created or re-programmed to produce flavours, aromas, colours, preservatives and nutrition as food additives. Consisting of bacteria, fungi (yeasts & molds), algae and viruses, the project collates references, micro-organisms and the results of their activity as additives, explored in the exhibition as a ‘Micro Food Library’.

Presented by Summerhall and ASCUS Art and Science

Syncrasy is a contemporary art exhibition co-curated by Summerhall and ASCUS Art & Science. Read more about Syncrasy here.

E-NUMBERS v2.0:Sneha Solanki Artist Talk

When: Saturday 26th June, 2:30 - 3:30pmWhere: Online via ZoomTickets: FREE, donations welcome, booking essentialAudience: Ages 14+Focusing on the emerging changes taking shape in our food landscape, join artist Sneha Solanki for a talk on her E-Numbers V2.0 project, a new classification for food additives created by a novel variety of micro-organisms that have been intentionally altered, created or re-programmed to produce flavours, aromas, colours, preservatives and nutrition as food additives. Currently showing at Summerhall Galleries, the E-NUMBERS v2.0 exhibition draws together microorganisms, additives made by the microorganisms and reference information with a new classification format in the form of a ‘micro food library’. The library is also an open resource to borrow, deposit and reference from.

Immerse yourself in a series of artworks that reflect complex human and ethical questions about our relationship between the body, science and technology. Inspired by the eczema genetic research laboratory of Prof Sara Brown, artist Beverley Hood’s experimental exhibition tells a story as seen from the point of view of the artificial skin cells, leading you through the cells journey, during their short, precious, three week long ‘in-vitro’ life from operating theatre to lab, and finally to disposal. These works are presented as a video projection, 3D prints and Augmented Reality App, alongside science engagement and historical materials.

Funded by Creative Scotland’s Open Fund, The Wellcome Trust, Arts & Ethics Research Group, Centre for Data, Culture & Society, and the University of Edinburgh