Prototype I

Prototype I: Quantum Leaps in Trans Semiotics through Psycho-analytic Snail Serum, 2017. 3 Screen HD Video Installation, 2.1 Audio, Dimensions Variable, 36 minutes.

Prototypes is a trilogy which explores gender and its manifestations in a post-speculative mind/body assemblage of scenes, set within the modernist Interbau housing development in the Hansaviertel area of Berlin. It explores new perspectives on trans identity through the lens of a post psycho- analytic, schizo-analytic methodology, entangling rhizomatic forms of thought, systems theory, plant biology and consciousess, machine learning and quantum transformation. The films approach the exploration of multiple subjectivities with trans protagonists through dream analysis & group psycho-analytic workshops engaging with the multi-layered unconscious. The script was produced collaboratively with the participants through dream analysis, writing workshops and quotes from renowned theorists, as starting points to explore the manifestation of gender beyond desire and ego drives.

Prototype I is a multi-screen film installation, a series of dreamscapes interrogating trans* semiotics through psychoanalytic practices, speculative technologies and live action role-playing. The work references scientific and medical investigations into the human psyche that address wider philosophical concerns relating to biology, gender embodiment, sexuality, utopianism and bio-molecular advancement in human evolution.

Prototype I, National Sculpture Factory, Cork, IE, Curated by Dobz O'Brien, presented in Cork Film Festival, Photo credit Jed Niezgoda

Still Image featuring Nika Pecarina

Prototype I, Installation still, Dublin City Gallery, The Hugh Lane, 2018, Curated by Michael Dempsey. Photo credit:

Still Image featuring Elena Schmidt

Still Image featuring Pol Merchan

Prototype I, National Sculpture Factory, Cork, IE, Curated by Dobz O'Brien, presented in Cork Film Festival, Photo credit Jed Niezgoda

Credits Prototype I: Quantum Leaps in Trans Semiotics through Psycho-Analytical Snail Serum
Funded by Xposed Film Festival production prize, Stiftung Kunstfonds, Senate of Berlin,
Grant for Media Art 2016 of the Foundation of Lower Saxony at the Edith-Russ-Haus

Featuring: Pol Merchan, Nika Pecarina, Ashley Hans Scheirl, Elena Schmidt
Dreams written by Pol Merchan and Doireann O’Malley
Extras: Trixi Flo, Magnús Hallur Jónsson, Ennio Nobili, Hannes Weymann
Dream Analysis by Andrés Ocazionez

1st AD and VFX Supervisor: Bastian Hopfgarten

Production Co-ordinator: Nossa Schäfer

Production Assistant: Gines Olivares
Director of Photography: Albrecht von Grünhagen

1st AC: Max Brinkschulte
2nd AC: Elisabeth Bornicke
Gimbal Operator: Matan Radan
Set Design: Doireann O’Malley, Trixi Flo

Costume: Antonio Ciutto
Editing: Brody Condon, Doireann O’Malley
3D Animation: Brody Condon

3D Scanning: Olaf Blecker
Sound Design/Music Composition: Armin Lorenz Gerold

Sound Mixing: Jochen Jezussek
Colour Grading: Lutz Forster, Agnesh Pakozdi