By
definition, biotechnology is the “manipulation of living organisms or their
components to produce useful, usually commercial, products” (Merriam-Webster).
This field of study is the source of some of the most controversial, exciting,
and debated artworks and scientific discoveries.
Anthony
Atala’s “Growing New Organs” TED Talk explains how biotechnology has allowed
his lab to recreate patient’s organs/tissues from their own cells. By removing
some of the patient’s tissue, growing the cells in vitro, and reintroducing it
to a “scaffolding material” in the shape of the anatomical structure, a new
organ can be created. Artistic design is necessary in to ensure the “scaffold”
is engineered correctly to fit the structure’s function.
An ear being produced from Atala's "scaffold material" and being with layered with cells that compose ears. |
I found
this technology to be inspiring as it could help save the lives of thousands.
Also using cells in culture, the artist Orlan created a “Harlequin Coat” from skin
cells of many ethnic groups in diamond shaped petri dishes. By incorporating
diversity, Orlan’s artistic piece incorporates science to comment on
multi-culturism and beauty.
Orlan wears her masterpiece. Being composed of colored diamonds of skin cells, the "Harlequin Coat" asserts multicultural beauty. |
Likewise,
when science and art use the same technologies, there is often debate.
Transgenic animals are used extensively in medical research. Animals are
genetically altered to express a specific phenotype, such as fluorescence, when
they possess a certain gene. However, when Eduardo Kac utilized this technology
to create the “GFP Bunny” for a “transgenic artwork and not a breeding project,”
it was still deemed unethical by animal rights activists (Kac). I found the public outcry interesting; thousands
of animals lives are disposed of for medical purposes and live under much worse
circumstances than this rabbit, but is still deemed moral.
I’m
unsure where I stand on the ethical concerns of using life as a medium for
expression. It seems biotechnology for medical purposes is more accepted due to
the prospect of physically improving lives. However, as Chris Kelty describes
this “DIY Bio” saying that “creativity breeds creativity” (Kelty 5). Therefore,
it makes sense to me that art and science would share mediums because of their
intertwined nature. I don’t think there are, ever should be, or can be limits
on creativity, but there can be limits on actions. Biotechnology can redefine
life as we know it. I’d like to see this medium be used for good rather than
destruction; however, as Kelty warns “are we in control of any of this
innovation, or if it controls us?” (Kelty 8). If it’s the latter, let’s hope innovation
strives for improvement.
Sources:
Atala, Anthony. "Growing New
Organs." TED-Ed. N.p., n.d. Web.
13 July 2016.
http://www.ted.com/talks/anthony_atala_growing_org
"Biotechnology." Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web.
15 July 2016.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/interstitialad?next=%2Fdictionary%2Fbiotechnology
Capecchi, Mario. "Transgenic
Mice." University of Utah Health
Sciences. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 July 2016.
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/science/transgenic/
"Eduardo Kac's Gfp Bunny Incites
Debate About Ethics of Transgenic Art." Eduardo Kac. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 July 2016.
http://www.ekac.org/artswire.html
Kac, Eduardo. "GFP BUNNY." GFP BUNNY. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 July 2016.
http://www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html#gfpbunnyanchor
"ORLAN - Harlequin Coat." FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative
Technology). N.p., n.d. Web. 14 July 2016.
http://www.fact.co.uk/projects/sk-interfaces/orlan-harlequin-coat.aspx
"Still, Living - Orlan." Symbiotica. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 July
2016.
http://www.stillliving.symbiotica.uwa.edu.au/pages/artists/orlan.htm
Images:
Biotechnology Market Trends. N.d. Camion
Associates, n.p.
Fontaine, Chrstelle. Alba. 2000. Rabbit Remix, Eduardo Kac,
Avignon.
Fontaine, Chrystelle, and Eduardo Kac.
Rabbit Remix. 0200-. GFP Bunny,
Avignon.
GFP Mice. 31 May 2016. Genetically Modified
Mouse, Wikipedia, n.p.
Harlequin Coat. 19 Mar. 2013. Standard Magazine,
Paris.
Regenerative Medicine. 13 Nov. 2012. The Evolution of Man,
n.p.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed your post! I agree with you on how you see that biotech is more acceptable for medical purposes. There shouldn't be any limits on creativity but how can we limit actions? I feel like this will forever ever be a gray area about what is ethical and what isn't. Creativity comes with the risk of being offensive some and brave to others.
ReplyDeleteIn my blog, I put up the same ethics issue as you. My opinion is that while bioart can cause a lot of ethics issues, we tend to ignore it when it's on the micro level such as bacteria and virus. One thing that came to me was "Aren't they living object?" Also, some artists have turned their interests to insects and we tend to treat insects like nothing. In this regard, should we give insects a second thought?
ReplyDelete