BioArt is a combination of art and biotechnology, using living organisms and scientific techniques. This form of art questions traditional boundaries, such as the distinction between living organisms and artistic materials, as well as ethical boundaries concerning the manipulation of life.
Historical Context:
BioArt rose in the mid-1980s, as genetic engineering provided new possibilities for manipulating life, allowing artists to incorporate living organisms into their work. This was exemplified by Joe Davis “Microvenus” (1984-1985), where DNA was encoded with a symbolic device and inserted into the E. coli bacteria. The movement grew alongside breakthroughs in biology, which included DNA structure discovery and cloning.
Notable BioArt Projects:
The Victimless Leather (2004) was a tiny “jacket” which was made from mouse tissue by Oron Catts and Ionat Zurr, which made people think about the ethics of using living cells as art. Additionally, the semi-living steak (2003) was a lab grown meat by Catts and Zurr, encouraging thought about what it means to create life in a lab and how we view food. Finally, the suspect inversion center (2011-now) is a project where Paul Vanouse manipulates DNA to match O.J. Simpson’s profile, challenging the idea that DNA evidence is foolproof.
BioArt and the Biotech Industry:
Public Engagement is where BioArt helps the public think and talk about genetic engineering, cloning, and the impact of biotechnology on society. Art labs, like SymbioticA and Genspace, provide spaces for artists and scientists to work together on BioArt projects. Biotechnology also often uses scientific methods to change organisms, letting artists explore the possibilities and limits of life.
Challenges:
Ethical issues are a serious problem, for example, BioArt raises tough questions about using living organisms, as seen in controversial works like Eduardo Kac’s glowing bunny “Alba.” Other issues such as practical ones are also serious because making and showing BioArt can be complicated, with legal and safety concerns, especially after 9/11.
BioArt is an exciting field that pushes the boundaries of both art and science. It helps the public engage with biotechnology issues and drives innovation. BioArt will continue exploring its ethical, philosophical, and societal impacts as biotechnology advances.
References
LaBiotech. “What Is BioArt in Biotech and Genetics?” LaBiotech.eu, 27 Nov. 2019,
https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/what-is-bioart-in-biotech-and-genetics/.
Miranda, Carolina A. “Weird Science: Biotechnology as Art Form.” ARTnews, 18 Mar. 2013,
https://www.artnews.com/art-news/news/biotechnology-as-art-form-2184/.
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