Artist Statement:

This quilt is a visual exploration of the intricate biological process of trophoblast syncytialization—a fundamental event in early human development. This art quilt captures the dynamic and delicate process in which individual cells fuse to form a syncytium, a continuous cytoplasmic mass containing multiple nuclei. By using fabric dyeing and surface design techniques, I have transformed a simple piece of white fabric into a vibrant depiction of this cellular phenomenon, as seen under a microscope.

The hand-dyed fabric forms the foundation of the quilt, with colors that shift and merge, symbolizing the fluidity and transformation inherent in syncytialization. Surface design elements, such as resist techniques, fabric painting, stitching, and vinyl application are used to represent the localization of transcription factors within the syncytial nuclei—those crucial regulators that guide the expression of genes during this complex process. The layering of colors and textures serves to emphasize the nuanced interactions and precise choreography within the cells.