BioTech + Art

Biotechnology is a controversial topic for several reasons, but as an art form it is a great way to express opinions, frustrations, and new ideas with the scientific community. Thanks to artists like Joe Davis, a pioneer in using transgenics for art, artists now work in labs just as often as they work in studios to create thought provoking masterpieces in the realm of biogenetics.

http://www.newscientist.com/blogs/culturelab/2012/03/23/1st-pic-HEJDstill%232.jpg

SymbioticA in Australia provides a supportive environment where artists are encouraged to explore life and art together. Artists there have created a machine that moves markers to draw on a canvas while the movements are controlled by fetal rat brain cells in a separate lab.

In 2003 a SymbioticA resident, Oron Catts, helped to create the Victimless Leather project which began with Disembodied Cuisine. Catts and his team engineered “steaks” out of frog muscle cells. After three months of hard work, his piece was placed on exhibition where visitors were able to taste the in vitro meat, which was fried in a honey garlic sauce for its antibacterial agents. Catts claims, “the sauce was really good but the texture of [the] steaks was like eating fabric or jelly on fabric”.

http://tasml.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/catts_and_zurr.jpg

While engineering steaks in a lab seems promising for a possible meat replacement, biotechnology used in art can also be harmful and dangerous. Marta De Menezes has found a way to manipulate the patterns seen on butterfly wings by modifying them during development. This creates beautiful artwork in live butterflies including patterns not seen in nature. The problem is, some butterflies developed holes in their wings. I believe that art should not be limited, but at the same time animals should not be harmed in the making of art. Art should be something that people can marvel at and enjoy. It should not cause physical harm, especially when it is not necessarily furthering scientific research to enhance life.

http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/2004/05/28/butterflywings2.jpg

Sources

"CGS : Human Biotechnology in Art & Culture: A List." CGS : Human Biotechnology in Art & Culture: A List. UC Berkley, n.d. Web. 09 May 2015. <http://www.geneticsandsociety.org/article.php?id=1961>.

Delgado, Rick. "How Artists Are Blending Biotechnology And Art." MakeUseOf. N.p., 08 May 2015. Web. 09 May 2015. <http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/artists-blending-biotechnology-art/>.

Kramer, Stephanie. "Interview with Oron Catts: Victimless Leather." Urban Times RSS. Urban Times, 13 Apr. 2012. Web. 09 May 2015. <https://urbantimes.co/2012/04/interview-oron-catts-victimless-leather/>.

Miranda, Carolina A. "Weird Science: Biotechnology as Art Form." ARTnews. Art News, 18 Mar. 2013. Web. 09 May 2015. <http://www.artnews.com/2013/03/18/biotechnology-as-art-form/>.

Reinert, Birgit. "Asymmetrical Butterfly Wings." GNN. N.p., 28 May 2004. Web. 09 May 2015. <http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/2004/05/28/butterflywings.php>.

Tate, Kristen. "Perceptions of Promise: Biotechnology, Science and Art." ‹ Chelsea Art Museum. University of Alberta, n.d. Web. 09 May 2015. <http://www.chelseaartmuseum.org/portfolios/perceptions-of-promise-biotechnology-science-and-art/>.