Christine Wertheim is a former painter with a PhD in literature and semiotics from Middlesex University, (UK). She teaches critical theory and feminisms on the undergraduate program in Critical Studies, and her writings on aesthetics include essays in Art History vs Aesthetics, Xtra., Cabinet, and Open Letter. Her poetry has appeared in numerous journals including La Petitie Zine and Five Finger Review. Her book of poetics +|’me’S-pace is published by Les Figues Press, 2007. Christine also co-directs The Institute For Figuring, which organizes presentations and exhibitions on the intersections of art and science, recently at Machine Project, the MJT, and the Andy Warhol Foundation. In October 2007 the IFF’s Crochet Coral Reef will be featured at the Chicago Festival of the Humanities. In January it will be exhibited at LACE in LA.