Artists to Use Satire for Serious Conversation on Sustainable Agriculture

Georgia Southern University’s Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art (BFSDOA) will present a free lecture on the world’s food supply from the artist and satirist Wendy DesChene on Monday, April 15 at 5:30 p.m. in the Visual Arts Building, Room 2016.

BFSDOA ceramics professor Jeff Schmuki is DesChene’s partner in PlantBot Genetics, Inc. It is a satirical project focused on bioengineered crops and getting people to think about the food they eat. “PlantBot Genetics raises awareness on human and environmental sustainability, the fair distribution of nutritious food while acknowledging the need for thoughtful regulation that addresses necessary human and environmental protections,” said Schmuki. DesChene will also work with advanced sculpture students to create “EcoBots” which are designed to emphasize the irrationality of actual biotech products. There will be a discussion of food sources and a demonstration of the students’ “EcoBots” on Wednesday, April 17 at 11:30 a.m. at the Russell Union Rotunda. Schmuki and DesChene use their entertaining, artistic presentation with remote-controlled, robotic plants to get people to question where their food comes from and how it gets on their plates. Learn more about their parody and satire by visiting www.monsantra.com. This program is supported by CLEC (Campus Life Enrichment Community) and student activity funds. Georgia Southern University, a Carnegie Doctoral/Research University founded in 1906, offers 125 degree programs serving more than 20,500 students. Through eight colleges, the University offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs built on more than a century of academic achievement.  Georgia Southern is recognized for its student-centered approach to education. Visit: www.georgiasouthern.edu.