Week 6 I BioTech + Art

 

Biotechnology and art are two vastly different fields that have been brought together in recent years, with artists utilizing the tools and techniques of biotechnology to create works that explore the boundaries between life and art. 



"Light: Bioluminescent Bacteria." CLOT Magazine. 

One of the fundamental questions that arise when considering biotechnology as a medium for artistic expression is whether or not life itself can be considered a valid expressive medium. As Vesna notes, "Biotechnology art challenges the very notion of what is life, and how we can use it to create new forms of expression" (BioTech+Art, Part 1). The idea of manipulating and creating life forms raises deep questions about the nature of life, and the role of humans in shaping it. 

Biotechnology involves using living organisms or biological processes to develop new technologies or products. In the field of art, biotechnology can be used as a medium or tool to create works of art that incorporate living organisms or biological processes. However, using biotechnology in art raises ethical concerns. As Vesna "Biotechnology art brings up important questions about the ethics of manipulating living organisms and the possible implications of these manipulations" (BioTech+Art, Part 2). It is important to consider the ethical implications of using biotechnology in art, particularly when it comes to techniques such as transgenics, mutation, or selective breeding. One example of this is the GFP Bunny by Eduardo Kac, where he "...introduced green fluorescent protein (GFP) from a jellyfish into the genes of an albino rabbit to create Alba, the glowing bunny" (Kac). 


 Kac, Eduardo. “GFP Bunny.” EKac.Org, 2000.

When we talk about using biotechnology for art, it can be difficult to decide how to value and define it. As Vesna explains, "The value of biotechnology art lies in its ability to challenge our assumptions about the world around us, and to offer new perspectives on what is possible" (BioTech+Art, Part 3). But this is a tricky thing to measure because we have to think about both how it looks and whether it's ethical.


Anker, Suzanne. “Vanitas in a Petri Dish.” Artspace.


Finally, the question of whether there should be limits to human creativity arises when considering the use of biotechnology in art. Vesna acknowledges that "there are certain risks associated with pushing the boundaries of what is possible with biotechnology, and we need to be aware of these risks and take steps to mitigate them" (BioTech+Art, Part 5). However, she also notes that "creativity is a fundamental aspect of human nature, and we should strive to explore new possibilities while being mindful of the consequences of our actions" (BioTech+Art, Part 5).


Sources:

Text:

Vesna, Victoria. "BioTech+Art, Part 1." https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/160989/pages/unit-6-view?module_item_id=5946338

Vesna, Victoria. "BioTech+Art, Part 2." https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/160989/pages/unit-6-view?module_item_id=5946338

Vesna, Victoria. "BioTech+Art, Part 3." https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/160989/pages/unit-6-view?module_item_id=5946338

Vesna, Victoria. "BioTech+Art, Part 5." https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/160989/pages/unit-6-view?module_item_id=5946338

Kac, Eduardo. "GFP Bunny, 2000." https://www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html. 


Images:

"Light: Bioluminescent Bacteria." CLOT Magazine, 28 Sept. 2018, clotmag.com/biomedia/light-bioluminescent-bacteria/. 

Kac, Eduardo. "GFP Bunny, 2000." https://www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html. 

Anker, Suzanne. “Vanitas in a Petri Dish.” Artspace, 28 June 2013, www.artspace.com/suzanne-anker/vanitas-in-a-petri-dish-26.







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