Throughout history, semen has been revered as a magical substance – a totem of literal and symbolic potency. The project In Posse aims to rewrite this cultural narrative; to use art and science to collaboratively disrupt the patriarchy by making semen from “female” cells. The project is being developed in three parts – firstly, In Posse is on a journey to grow spermatozoa (sperm cells) from Charlotte’s body in collaboration with Prof. Susana Chuva de Sousal Lopes. At the same time, a female form of seminal plasma (the fluid part of semen) has been developed using material donated by multiple women, trans and gender non-binary people. Finally, the “female” semen is used a series of re-enactments of the ancient Greek women-only festival of Thesmophoria.
Collaboration with Dr. Susana Chuva de Sousa Lopes, Kapelica Gallery / Kersnikova Institute and MU Hybrid Art House Eindhoven
Link to Essay: In Posse: ‘Female’ Semen and Other Acts of Resistance
