BIOPRESENCE

The project was carried out at the request of the municipality of Biscarrosse, a small resort town in the south of France.

Olga Kisseleva decided to attempt to restore and “resurrect” the withered tree, and spared no effort to achieve her goal. The project budget was channeled into research conducted in collaboration with a laboratory, which was able to identify a species of elm that would be resistant to this disease. This turned out to be the Siberian elm.

During the study, Olga Kisseleva and the biologists from the INRA Laboratory developed a method for integrating fragments of the DNA of the Siberian elm into the DNA of the dead tree. The newly planted sapling, which contains the DNA of the vanished ancient elm of Biscarrosse, has become a living symbol, reconnecting the townspeople with their historical memory.

“Biopresence” is a typical example of a Dendro-art project. Its study enables us to draw general conclusions about the practice of Eco-art. Obviously, Olga Kisseleva’s project demonstrates the potential of reviving lost flora and fauna with the aid of contemporary art. It can also help to reestablish ruptured social connections, facilitating positive developments in social life. “Biopresence” proves the ubiquitous feasibility of such art projects, being an example of a successful collaboration between artists and scientists.