In recent years, the life sciences, which elucidate the functions and mechanisms of cells and genes, have attracted much attention. The proposal of the double-helix model of DNA in 1953, the advent of genetic recombination technology in 1973, and the discovery of human iPS cells in 2007 are all events symbolizing the progress of the life sciences. As the life sciences have advanced remarkably, so too has the public’s interest in them. For example, iPS cells, which can multiply by reproducing themselves and transforming into various cell types, have raised societal expectations in the search for new drugs and the development of cell therapy. Another example is the recently introduced CAR-T cells, genetically enhanced immune cells with new functions, which are beginning to be used under insurance coverage in Japan.

On the other hand, much of the general public may not be aware of the meaning of the letters i and PS in iPS cells and CAR and T in CAR-T cells and, perhaps more importantly, the challenges that society faces when dealing with such “new cells.”

This artwork was created to provide an opportunity for people from different backgrounds, regardless of their professional knowledge or experience, to think about cells and their scientific and societal implications. Through this work, we hope that more people can both feel the existence of new cells that have recently received attention in the life sciences and experience the different lenses through which they can appreciate works of art. What is a cell? How does it work? How close are we to our cells? We hope that this exhibition will evoke such questions in viewers.