BioTech + Art

Sunday, May 14, 2017.

Picture of DNA in its double helix
structure.

In this week's lecture, I learned about the relationship between BioTech and Art. In 2003, the entire human genome was with much effort, sequenced. With the discovery of DNA as the hereditary means of transferring on one's own genes, scientists have discovered ways in altering those genes. Professor Vesna had stated that artists have begun to work with biologists, nano-technologists, geneticists, and neuroscientists in going into flesh and cellular tissue levels, giving rise to Bioart.

Eduardo Kac touched upon the same idea. Kac created his own GFP bunny through microinjection. Scientists took a fluoroscent gene from a species of fluorescent jellyfish and modified the gene to make its properties more powerful. The gene was then inserted into a fertilized rabbit egg cell which eventually became the bunny. He went on to claim it as art. Kac touched upon the idea of transgenic art as a new art form based on the use of genetic engineering to create new living being or another form of art that was alive.

Eduardo Kac with his GFP bunny.

However, with human involvement in recreating genes comes a lot of controversy. For example, animal activists do not agree with the idea of modifying organisms.  As the organism is unable to "consent" there is high degree of immoral practices and so ethically there are many issues. Furthermore, animal activists stress that these techniques affect the animals well-being. Not only with animals, the crops and vegetables grown today are genetically modified. Genetically modified organisms or GMO are modified in order to last longer. Chemicals are added to GMOs in order to appeal better to consumers. People unconsciously, choose fruits that appeal to them aesthetically. The color of the fruit as well as its shape are very significant factors in them choosing the fruit. If the fruit were to be misshapen or even bruised, consumers are less likely to buy it. Scientists today have tried to modify fruit genes in order to produce the right proportions solely for people to buy them. The more aesthetically pleasing the fruit looks, the better chance people will buy.

The controversy behind GMOs highlights
the importance of whether or not the
benefits or cons outweigh one or the other.

Besides health and ethical concerns, BioArt is really a new form of art. It is another way for scientists and artists to come together in creating another art form. As technology advances, Biotechnology and art will continue to overlap.

Abou-Gabal, Nirvana. "Understanding the Controversy and Science of GMOs". Huffingtonpost. N.p., July 28. 2015. Web.

Lallanilla, Marc. "GMOs: Facts About Genetically Modified Food". LiveScience. N.p., Jan 11. 2016. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. 5 bioart pt1. Youtube. Youtube. 18 Sep. 2013. Web. 14 May. 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg

Vesna, Victoria. 5 BioArt pt2. Youtube. Youtube. 17 May. 2012. Web. 14 May. 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&v=MdSt-Hjyi2I

Vesna, Victoria. 5 BioArt pt3. Youtube. Youtube. 17 May. 2012. Web. 14 May. 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&v=3EpD3np1S2g