During the production of Heirloom I was invited to create two hands-on workshops at the Medical Museion Copenhagen. we introduced basic techniques for gathering, growing, and caring for different kinds of cells. Participants encountered their own cells under microscopes, handled kombucha fungus “skin”, and discussed with Gina why artists and scientists might want to work together and the ethical issues they might face both in institutions and in DIY contexts. A curator from The Body Collected exhibition joined discussions about how cells are collected and stored in the different worlds of art, science, and museums.

Participants were asked to create a ‘virtual kiss’ also known as ‘the-worlds-most-boring-kiss’. Cells from each persons mouth were isolated and stained using fabric dyes, these were then mixed  and could be seen drifting together under  the microscope.