Since
Mendel discovered the genetics of a plant, genetics have been highly
experimented and researched by scientist. However, more recently, genetics have
begun to be explored by artists. Artists are interested in finding new and
enticing ways to showcase and reproduce genomes.
Marta DeMenezes is a Portuguese artist who is
exploring the convergence of art and science. Her main focus is about how
science can influence and change nature. One of her most well known works is “Nature?.”
In “Nature?,” DeMenzes has created live butterflies with modified wing
patterns. The new wing and their designs are not artificial or pigmented
and made out of normal cells. One
important aspect of her project, that I greatly appreciate, is that she created
butterflies that are not able to reproduce other butterflies with the same
patterns. Therefore, each butterfly is unique and will never be seen in nature
again. “Nature?” will not effect evolution in the long run. Although DeMenzes
as created some beautiful wing patterns, her project is extremely controversial
because it brings up the idea of harming animals for the purpose of art. Some
people do not believe that this is ethically okay to alter the nature of
animals and insects because they are ultimately not given a choice. The other
problem that people have with projects like “Nature?” is the notion that artist
and scientist are gaining too much power in how society will turn out.
One concept that I found to be
really interest was the idea of DIY biology movement projects from the Outlaw
Synopsis essay. A project that captures the idea of DIY biology is “Foragers” by Dunne and
Raby. “Foragers” explores the possibility of a world that is overpopulated
causing there to not be enough food. “Foragers” is the idea of synthetic
digestive systems and devices that would allow people to extract food from
their environment by maximizing the nutritional value of nature. This project
is attempting to solve the food shorten problem by making food universally and
commercially accessible through nature to everyone. Dunne and Raby are
providing a perfect example and depiction of what our world will look like if
we are able to take control of our own evolution.
The
convergence of art and biotechnology has the ability to change the world. However,
giving people the opportunity to determine evolution can create an artificial
world that will not longer be unique.
Biography:
1.
Kelty,
Chris . “Meanings Of Participation: Outlaw Biology? Outlaws, Hackers, Victorian Gentlemen. ” PDF.
05 May, 2016.
2.
Levy,
Ellen K. “Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional
Classifications.” PDF. 05 May, 2016.
3.
Miranda,
Caroline. "Weird Science: Biotechnology as Art Form." ARTnews. 18
Mar. 2013. Web. 05 May 2016. <http://www.artnews.com/2013/03/18/biotechnology-as-art-form/>
4. "Biotech Art –
We Make Money Not Art." We Make Money Not Art. Web. 05 May 2016.
<http://we-make-money-not-art.com/category/biotech-art/>.
5.
Gkoutzioul,
Katerina I. "Art and Biotechnology: When Art Looks into Science." The
Rest Is Art. 26 Oct. 2010. Web. 05 May 2016.
<https://therestisart.wordpress.com/2010/10/26/art-and-biotechnology-when-art-looks-into-science/>.
6.
Delgado,
Rick. "How Artists Are Blending Biotechnology And Art." MakeUseOf. 08
May 2015. Web. 05 May 2016.
7.
Delgado,
Rick. "How Artists Are Blending Biotechnology And Art." MakeUseOf. 08
May 2015. Web. 05 May 2016.<http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/artists-blending-biotechnology-art/>
I appreciate that you comment both on the controversy of genetic alterations as well as the beauty of creating unique ways to adapt to the world.
ReplyDeleteI talked about many similar ideas. I too find bio art very fascinating. I liked the organization and images in your blog. Well done!
ReplyDeleteI talked about many similar ideas. I too find bio art very fascinating. I liked the organization and images in your blog. Well done!
ReplyDelete