Week 6: BioTech and Art

This week’s discussion addresses important topics among both scientists and artists. The integration of both biotechnology and artwork is known as BioArt, a form of art that works with living organisms by using scientific processes such as genetic engineering and other forms of biotechnology. However, BioArt is a controversial expression of art, drawing attention to ethical, aesthetic, and social issues. It was interesting to learn that artists enter the laboratories and work with the scientists, sometimes even directly with the living tissues the scientists are working on. Through BioArt, scientists are challenging the accepted classifications of life by exploring areas that straddle boundaries seen as acceptable.

Artwork created by growing bacteria on a Petri dish, an example of BioArt.

As Professor Vesna discussed in her lecture, Joe Davis is the pioneer of BioArt. He is an artist who uses genes and bacteria in his artwork, with molecular biology tools and techniques. One of his pieces is the audio microscope, which allows users to view the living cells while also listening to their micro acoustic signatures, unique to each species. After attending the recent symposium all about acoustics and vibrations of sounds, I thought this was a very relevant and intriguing subject for this week. I find it very interesting that scientists are able to differentiate sounds made by such microscopic organisms, and how artists are connected with this phenomenon.

Multiple examples of transgenic animals, including the "GFP Bunny".

One other individual who I think is very important to the topic of biotechnology and art is Eduardo Kac, with his work on the “GFP Bunny.” This bunny, named Alba, is a green fluorescent bunny, engineered by splicing the green fluorescent protein (GFP) of a jellyfish into her genome. The results were captivating - when under a certain light, Alba glowed green. However, the GFP Bunny was also quite controversial, sparking public dialogue about the project. This bunny, along with other creations, is an example of transgenic art, based on the use of genetic engineering to transfer natural or synthetic genes to an organism and resulting in a unique living being. Human creativity continues to increase, but the question is, should there be limits? This reminds me of a movie I’ve seen, called GATTACA, in which children are conceived through genetic selection to ensure they possess the best hereditary traits of their parents. What are the possible consequences of biotechnological developments in society? It’s a difficult question to answer.

GATTACA, a science fiction film that cautions about the extremes of technology and genetic engineering.

References:

Haridy, Rich. “Art in the Age of Ones and Zeros: BioArt.” New Atlas - New Technology & Science News, New Atlas, 17 Mar. 2017, newatlas.com/art-ones-and-zeros-bioart/48391/#gallery.

Kac, Eduardo. “GFP Bunny.” Rabbit Remix, www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html#gfpbunnyanchor.

Levy, Ellen K. “Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications.”

“REVIEW: Gattaca (1997).” Elena Square Eyes, 25 Nov. 2018, elenasquareeyes.com/2018/11/26/review-gattaca-1997/.

Smith, Zoe. “Transgenic Organism with GFP Genes.” Venngage, infograph.venngage.com/p/225066/transgenic-organism-with-gfp-genes.

Vesna, Victoria. “Biotech Intro NEW.” YouTube, 26 Mar. 2012, youtu.be/Fvp924_pbgc.