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Humans have spent millennia on earth, yet it is only during the past 150 years that we have made an indelible, irreversible imprint on our planet. Plastics, for instance, cannot be broken down by natural processes, and will remain on the earth for many centuries. For the Istanbul Biennial, Aude Pariset is showing a piece that reflects on human interaction with natural ecology, as well as their entanglement with notions of domestic space and child-rearing.In Toddler Promession® (2016), a mattress made from Styrofoam, a notoriously non-biodegradable material, has been placed in an Ikea infant’s cot and filled with molitor worms. Scientists have recently discovered that these worms (also known as mealworms) are able to live off Styrofoam and break it down into organic matter. Inspired by this finding, and its potentially radical ecological implications, Pariset has created a work where, over the course of the exhibition, the molitor worms will slowly devour the Styrofoam and process it into excrement.An immediate, uncanny quality is produced by the use of a piece of domestic furniture usually associated with young children repositioned as the foodstuff of larval insects typically linked to sites of uncleanliness, disgust or horror. Yet this disorienting, haunted feeling collides with the work’s enactment of a significant, positive and reparative scientific intervention: making biodegradable material out of Styrofoam mattresses that would otherwise poison the earth’s ecosystem. The word ‘promession’ in the work’s title refers to a process in which human remains have been freeze-dried into a biodegradable substance, ameliorating the ecological footprint of the disposal of corpses in an age of overpopulation. The term stems from the Italian word for ‘promise’, suggesting in the context of this work a sense of hope for the future. But while ‘toddler’ may refer either to the absent inhabitant of the cot or to the larval worms, it might also evoke an image of destructive humans who, like toddlers, are wreaking havoc on the earth.

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Artist Biography

Aude Pariset: Exploring the Boundaries of Image and Environment

Aude Pariset, born in Versailles, France, in 1983, is a contemporary artist whose practice centers on investigating the intersection between visual imagery, material processes, and ecological considerations. After graduating from École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris in 2007, she established her studio in Berlin, Germany, where she continues to develop innovative artistic projects that challenge conventional notions of artmaking and its relationship with the natural world. Her work distinguishes itself through a meticulous approach to manipulating digital images—transforming them via chemical reactions and biological interventions—a technique that speaks to a broader concern about the fate of data in an increasingly digitized society.

Early Influences: Pariset’s artistic vision finds roots in explorations of conceptual art and bioart, disciplines that grapple with questions of materiality, ethics, and scientific experimentation. She draws inspiration from thinkers like Boris Groys, whose essay ‘The Immortal Bodies’ examines the history of utopian ideas surrounding immortality within Russian intellectual tradition, particularly focusing on Soviet attempts at blood transfusion experiments.
Technique & Methodology: Pariset's distinctive method involves repurposing digital images—often sourced from advertising or online platforms—and subjecting them to radical alterations. These transformations extend beyond mere aesthetic adjustments; she employs processes like immersion in chemical baths and incubation with microorganisms, mirroring natural decomposition cycles. This deliberate disruption aims to expose the inherent vulnerability of digital information and its impact on ecological systems.
Notable Projects: Her artistic output includes solo exhibitions at venues such as Palais de Tokyo in Paris and König Bergson in Munich, showcasing installations that confront viewers with unsettling juxtapositions between organic matter and synthetic media. Particularly noteworthy is her collaborative project “Toddler Promession®,” which utilizes edible insects—mealworms—to create a sculptural piece exploring themes of consumption and decay.
Recurring Themes: Recurring motifs within Pariset’s oeuvre include references to Shōhei Imamura's film *Warm Water Under a Red Bridge*, where the flow of water symbolizes desire and transformation, mirroring the artist’s fascination with ecological processes and the symbolic power of imagery. Furthermore, her work engages with Ashley Bickerton’s explorations of minimalism and environmental awareness, highlighting the tension between artistic aesthetics and ethical responsibility.
Recent Developments: Recent projects include “Seaweed,” a reflection on the potential for algae to contribute to biodegradable plastic production—a testament to Pariset's commitment to investigating innovative solutions for addressing environmental challenges. Her ongoing research delves into the role of worms in soil regeneration, demonstrating how biological organisms can reshape our understanding of recycling and material transformation.

Portfolio: Aude Pariset | Frieze

Pariset’s artistic journey has been documented extensively through exhibitions at prestigious institutions like Frieze London, where her work was presented as part of a curated portfolio exploring the intersection of art and ecological concerns. The exhibition highlighted her exploration of “Mealworms and Chinese scrolls,” showcasing her commitment to investigating sustainable practices within the realm of visual arts.

A Collaborative Exploration: Parc Saint Léger

Her residency at Parc Saint Léger solidified Pariset’s dedication to fostering dialogue between artistic experimentation and ecological awareness. The project centered around a workshop with ESAAB students, resulting in a collective piece that interrogated the flow of images through media and their relationship to environmental degradation—a reflection on how art can contribute to shaping our perception of sustainability.

Historical Significance

Aude Pariset’s artistic practice aligns itself with broader trends within contemporary bioart and conceptual art, positioning her as a voice advocating for critical engagement with technological advancements and their consequences for the planet. Her meticulous manipulation of digital images—combined with her embrace of biological processes—represents a deliberate challenge to conventional artistic paradigms, prompting viewers to reconsider notions of materiality, ethics, and ecological responsibility.

Aude Pariset

1983 - , France

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Bio-art
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Boris Groys']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Shōhei Imamura
- Ashley Bickerton
Date Of Birth: 1983
Full Name: Aude Pariset
Nationality: French
Notable Artworks:
- Toddler Promession®
- Seaweed
Place Of Birth: Versailles, France

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Related Artworks

Artist Biography

Aude Pariset: Exploring the Boundaries of Image and Environment

Portfolio: Aude Pariset | Frieze

A Collaborative Exploration: Parc Saint Léger