BioTech + Art



BioTech + Art



              The bioart that I found most interesting was Eduardo Kac’s GFP Bunny, a fluorescent bunny named Alba. He was able to do this by integrating jellyfish DNA into the rabbit’s DNA. I found it amazing that there is enough scientific knowledge about DNA to be able to select one trait and give it to an animal of a different species. I could understand how this bunny incited discussion on gene ethics. The fluorescent gene that was added to the rabbit was a harmless feature to add but I began to think of other characteristics that could possibly be altered. Further research in DNA integration could make animals larger, poisonous, and generally more dangerous. However, other gene alterations such as fur length, color, and pattern can be a way to further ability for artistic expression.


               Gene alterations in animals is fairly recent but it has been taking place in plants for quite some time. Genetic modification of foods is a highly controversial field which many are studying in order to understand side effects of consuming these foods. Genetically modified foods have been around for about 15 years however not much information was known about it and it was not necessarily public knowledge. Scientists are conducting research on crops in order to better understand if consumers should have any concerns. Other scientists such as Steichem breed flowers in order to get desired colors and designs. These hybrids have been appreciated by the public and have been on display unlike most other bio-artwork.




               After learning a bit about bioart, I feel that life itself is a valid medium for art and gene alterations allow artists express a vision they have in mind. The field of bioart is evaluated and criticized more so than other fields of art mainly due to the fact that it deals with animal/human/plant lives. It can be hard to identify was is ethical in gene modification. I believe that both artists and scientists should have the same restrictions and be required to follow the protocol when manipulating characteristics of living things. 

References

Celia Hartmann, Project Assistant Archivist, Museum Archives. "MoMA | Edward Steichen Archive: Delphiniums Blue (and White and Pink, Too)." InsideOut. N.p., n.d. Web.

"Genetically Modified Crops." Emaze. N.p., 2013. Web.

Kac, Eduardo. "Transgenic Works and Other Living Pieces." BIO ART. N.p., n.d. Web.

Magazine, Bruce Stutz for Seed. "Seed Magazineabout." Wanted: GM Seeds for Study § SEEDMAGAZINE.COM. N.p., n.d. Web.

Vesna,Victoria. “Lecture Part 1-5.” BioTech + Art. 13 May 2017. Lecture.


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