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Posted by on Aug 11, 2010 | 9 comments

Flygirls Choose FlyLashes

Wolves’ hair for your eyelash extensions? So J-Lo 90’s. Today’s flygirls go with FlyLashes. No confirmation on whether these real fly legs were pulled before or after fly’s demise. Wouldn’t the wings make for some serious gossamer lipliners? Waste not, want not. Note: She’s pulled down the video – PETA pressure? You’ll have to do with the photo.
flylashes

Flylashes from Jessica Harrison on Vimeo.

Jessica Harrison has responded:
PLEASE NOTE – FLIES WERE NOT KILLED OR TORTURED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO – some were collected from window sills in various locations and some hatched from maggots bought from a fishing tackle shop that were destined for the end of a fishing line – they lived, flew and ate before dying of natural causes after their normal life span. The flies actually got to hatch and live instead of being used as bait – which involves being pierced with a hook through their middle whilst still alive.

Made as part of a series of works looking into genetic manipulation, experimentation and xenotransplantation, Flylashes was intended as a play on the format of the Chimera, highlighting the use of the fly in the investigation of genetics and its similarity to the structure of human DNA. The series of work sought to explore the balance between advanced scientific and medical developments with our cultural strive for perfection, and at the same time expose and acknowledge society’s underlying fear and mistrust of modified bodies.

Flylashes was made using legs from around 5 flies that were not killed to create the video clip. The work is not intended as a fashion or style statement, or as a call to pull apart flies to use as beauty enhancements, but a device to prompt questions about our thoughts and fears surrounding genetic manipulation and the integrity of the body.

I removed the video from Vimeo due to copyright infringement on various websites and the fact it has unfortunately been shared online in several cases out of context and with inaccurate information. I have respect for all creatures, no matter how small and condemn any form of animal cruelty.

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9 Comments

  8. Hillary August 11, 2010

    Jessica,

    At the time I made the PETA comment I didn’t realize there was a brewing uproar over this video. You’ve detailed the process and for that I don’t think you should feel pressured to remove your video.

    Thanks for clearing up our questions.

    Hillary

  9. Jessica Harrison August 11, 2010

    PLEASE NOTE – FLIES WERE NOT KILLED OR TORTURED TO MAKE THIS VIDEO – some were collected from window sills in various locations and some hatched from maggots bought from a fishing tackle shop that were destined for the end of a fishing line – they lived, flew and ate before dying of natural causes after their normal life span. The flies actually got to hatch and live instead of being used as bait – which involves being pierced with a hook through their middle whilst still alive.

    Made as part of a series of works looking into genetic manipulation, experimentation and xenotransplantation, Flylashes was intended as a play on the format of the Chimera, highlighting the use of the fly in the investigation of genetics and its similarity to the structure of human DNA. The series of work sought to explore the balance between advanced scientific and medical developments with our cultural strive for perfection, and at the same time expose and acknowledge society’s underlying fear and mistrust of modified bodies.

    Flylashes was made using legs from around 5 flies that were not killed to create the video clip. The work is not intended as a fashion or style statement, or as a call to pull apart flies to use as beauty enhancements, but a device to prompt questions about our thoughts and fears surrounding genetic manipulation and the integrity of the body.

    I removed the video from Vimeo due to copyright infringement on various websites and the fact it has unfortunately been shared online in several cases out of context and with inaccurate information. I have respect for all creatures, no matter how small and condemn any form of animal cruelty.

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