Week 6: BioTech + Art

BioArt
Bioart is art at a cellular or tissue level. It’s a sensitive area because there are many ethical issues. In Ellen Levy’s essay, the issue of property and morality are discussed. The essay states “biotechnology is a place where political, economic, legal, and scientific interests meet, and artists can promote discussion about these issues” (Levy). Bioart enhances scientific and artistic research to improve life for humans; however, organisms may suffer in return. 


Modified E.coli

Joe Davis worked on a project to create an infogene, a gene that could be translated into something meaningful by machinery. His goal was to genetically modify a gene and send it to space with a message. He decided to modify E.coli and add a message of a micro Venus, a Y superimposed with a I shaped symbol, to represent females in his message since he realized there are more male symbols, and thus, wanted to balance the gender inequality (Uconlineprogam pt1). This project is an example of genetic engineering where genes of E.coli were modified. The project portrays the “third culture” clearly (Vesna). The artwork uses E.coli as an art tool and is produced in a science medium using DNA recombination incorporated with art and encompasses a symbol referring to gender inequality discussed in humanities. 

MicroVenus

It’s important for art and science to come together, but it’s also important to respect organisms. Katy High addresses the issue of research rats and explains that rats are sacrificed for research purposes and should be respected because they are used to learn about human health. Genetically modified rats are considered to be cyborgs; there are non-expressible molecules in their bodies that are completely different from a natural system (Uconlineprogam pt 3). High’s work explains that organisms are sacrificed for our benefit and should not be mistreated. 

Transgenic Rats

Bioart should be permissible to a certain extent. Using life and nature as a medium for art is an important factor in research. Many research revolve around rats’ genome since it is very similar to human genome and thus, diseases can be analyzed thoroughly. However, to modify an organism without ethical reasoning could cause unnatural side effects and hurt organisms.

Although bioart raises ethical issues, it is a beneficial area of study. The two cultures influence each other. As Kelty states, “creativity breeds creativity” (Kelty). Intellectuals from both fields can contribute enlightening information. Knowledge gained can only lead to improvement and innovation.



References
Kelty, Chris. "Meanings of Participation: Outlaw Biology?" N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2017.
Levy, Ellen K. "Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications." N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2017.
Uconlineprogram. "5 Bioart Pt1 1280x720." YouTube. YouTube, 18 Sept. 2013. Web. 12 May 2017.
Uconlineprogram. "5 BioArt Pt3." YouTube. YouTube, 17 May 2012. Web. 13 May 2017.
Vesna, Victoria. Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between. Leonardo, Vol. 34, No. 2. (2001), pp. 121-125. 


Images
Gibbs, W. Wayt. "Art as a Form of Life." Scientific American: Feature Article: Art as a Form of Life: April 2001. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 May 2017.
Haridy, Rich. "Art in the Age of Ones and Zeros: BioArt." New Atlas. New Atlas, 16 Mar. 2017. Web. 14 May 2017.
Sutton, Stephanie. "Transgenic Rats Provide New Models of Human Disease." Pardon Our Interruption. N.p., 15 Nov. 2014. Web. 14 May 2017.



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