POLYMEROCENE by Anusha Gadipudi
"The term ‘polymerocene’ is derived from the root word ‘polymer’ which, in modern contexts, is used to describe a large molecule that consists of many smaller units connected in varying structures. The etymology, however, shows that the term arises from the Greek roots ‘polus’ meaning many, and ‘meros’ meaning parts. It should also be noted that although ‘polymer’ generally connotes synthetic polymers – such as PVC, polystyrene, and polyester – many polymers exist naturally as a component of all biological systems. DNA is an essential polymer that has been referenced multiple times throughout my creative project.
"I propose that there are two essential events that preface the polymerocene – The establishment of trade routes connecting large, organized human societies in the early 3rd millennium BC, and the invention of synthetic nylon in 1920. The images of Ur and the nylon sculpture reference these two dates. As nylon refers to the more literal aspects of the polymerocene as the age of synthetic polymers, Ur refers to polymers as a metaphor for human attempts to distinguish ourselves from nature by influencing what should be ‘natural’, which also refers to the trans-Atlantic slave trade. Both of these ideas came together in the modern quest for increased connectivity between humans – specifically with the world-wide web and social media. The importance of connectivity inspired me to choose Instagram as my proposed creative medium."