Week 6 -- Biotech and Art

Third Ear

The field of Biotechnology and Art faces a lot of criticism regarding ethics and genetic manipulation. As Ellen Levy ultimately highlights in her article, it is difficult to define life, and these classifications will bring about debates regarding legal rights, intellectual property, politics, and society as a whole. As we begin to blur what is human, transgenic, and cyborg there will ultimately be no status quo (Levy). This raises the question, “To what extent will we push human capability?” In this week’s lecture, Professor Vesna discussed Stelarc and how he wanted to use biotechnology to overcome human limitations. He experimented with human implants – by inserting a third ear in his arm. He claimed without further advancements, human body would become obsolete (Vesna).

 This idea is frightening to think about – with all the genetic engineering around us, where do we draw the line? If the modification proves no purpose for human betterment and is merely used as an artistic medium, should it be an allowed practice? Artists began to believe that labs were equivalent to their studios and freely experimented from creating robotic drawing arms to skin cultivated coats. Steve Kurtz founder of the Critical Art Ensemble, allegedly took this idea to far and questionably ended up killing his wife in the name of biotechnological experimentation. He was tried in court however, and was deemed not guilty (Steve).

Genetically Modified Food

This week’s lecture mostly discussed genetic injections in the lab, however society is very oblivious to the omnipotent biotechnology in our daily lives. 60% of the processed food on supermarket shelves contain some genetically modified ingredient (Altered). The FDA allows the use of steroid-hormone implants in our household meats (Producing).

Fluorescent (GFP) Bunny

Biotechnology has infiltrated every aspect of life, however most notably, the medical. Take the fluorescent bunny – it served not only as an artistic medium but is useful in tracking active cancer treatments. Biotechnology and art, although controversial, is developing at a rapid pace and is a promising medium for both artistic and biological furtherment.

References

Levy, Ellen K. Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications. Web. 05 May      ssssss2016.

"Altered Food, GMOs, Genetically Modified Food - National Geographic." National ssssssGeographic. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.

"Steve Kurtz." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.

"U.S. Food and Drug Administration." Steroid Hormone Implants Used for Growth in Food-ssssssProducing Animals. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2016.

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture Biotechnology and Art. Web. 05 May 2016.