Week 6: BioTech + Art

BioArt is an intrinsic part of the development of science, and specifically for me as a bioengineering major, the biotechnology field of science. BioArt and the work of “outlaws and hackers” brings to light particular niches in the biotechnological community (usually genetic) that would’ve otherwise been ignored by “Big Bio” (Kelty). As a result, these niches draw attention to the new aesthetic interpretations, ethical concerns, and social effects that come with any new field of art.

"Biohackers" push the boundaries of ethics and biotechnology
by using themselves as a subject for their experiments, usually
involving genetics and taking place in their garage or basements.

Ethical concerns are especially relevant in this case because BioArt often triggers something in the heart and gut of the public. People have specific reactions to the scientific manipulation of life that is dependent on the social conditions they were raised under (i.e. family influences, religion). However, I also believe that BioArt should be triggering to at least some degree to get the viewer to rethink something about what it means to be alive. Where should artist’s draw this line? In the end I think that artists should have similar restrictions as scientists when it comes to protecting the health and safety of the public. However, there is little precedence on what should be a baseline on the ethical restrictions that should be placed on BioArt, so in this aspect, I feel that artists should be free to do as they please, as long as their art does not harm other living organisms.

The Eight Day by Eduardo Kac

Eduardo Kac’s The Eighth Day is a transgenic piece that investigated fluorescence in creatures by introducing to viewers what a world where only transgenic creatures exist and how a purely fluorescent world would look. Although fluorescent organisms are all different, they are all connected through their genetics in that their fluorescence all stem from the GFP coding gene. This piece includes a biobot that used the migration and proliferation of bioluminescent amoebas as its “brain.” Changes in the amoebas caused changes in biobot’s six legs, which allowed it to move around the exhibit. Something I thought was interesting about this particular experiment/project was how it also roped in the idea that transhumanism doesn’t necessarily apply just to humans, because enhancing these amoebas’ mobility via technology is analogous to the transhumanism movement.

Schematic for the compilation of fluorescent
creatures in Kac's The Eighth Day.

Life itself is a miracle, and its manipulation in the name of art is the only way to expose its hidden beauties. Humans and all living organisms are complex machines with secrets that we have only begun to understand.



References

eJournal of Arts and Technology. “The Eighth Day.” Crossings - Gallery - Kac - The Eighth Day, 

       crossings.tcd.ie/gallery/Kac/Eighth_Day/.

Kac, Eduardo. “THE EIGHTH DAY.” NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ENIGMA, www.ekac.org/8thday.html.

Kelty, Chris. “Meanings of Participation: Outlaw Biology?” Journal of Science Communication, Mar. 2010.

Savastio, Rebecca. “Biohacking: Exciting Science or Terrifying Threat? · Guardian Liberty Voice.” Guardian Liberty Voice, 15 Aug. 

       2016, guardianlv.com/2014/09/biohacking-exciting-science-or-terrifying-threat/.

Vesna, Victoria. “5 BioArt pt4.” YouTube, YouTube, 17 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7.