Jessica Halonen

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“This piece is inspired by the current use of genetic modification by the pharmaceutical industry. This work specifically references the ‘spidergoat’ – a goat that has been altered to express the gene to create spider silk. The silk is harvested and used for surgical thread.” – Jessica Halonen

Through her art, Austin-based artist Jessica Halonen investigates the relationships between the body, nature, and the medical world, specifically the controversial use of genetically engineered plants and animals in the pharmaceutical industry. She translates the designs of biological diagrams and the colors used in pharmaceutical packaging to create meticulous and subtle images to hopefully initiate a dialogue about issues that are little known outside of the sciences.

Halonen received her MFA in Painting from Washington University and her BA from Kalamazoo College. Her work has been exhibited and collected throughout Texas. She is currently a professor in the Art and Art History Department at Trinity University in San Antonio, Texas.

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