Biotechnology+Art

     In most cases, it's not naturally occurring biological processes and instances that are considered art. Rather, the more extreme and outlandish "experiments" are classified as both biotechnology and art. This is one of the more specific bridges between science and technology in that there is a select set of works that falls into both biotech and art categories. Works include modifications on humans as well as animals. It's interesting to note that human modifications attract less attention from special interest groups than animal modifications. The main reason is the concept of free will and thought: since animals cannot decide whether or not they want to participate in such experiments, the whole thing is dubbed cruel and inhumane by protection groups.

     The above picture shows Eduardo Kac's glowing rabbit, named Alba, which was created by inserting fluorescent protein into the egg of the rabbit in its early stages of growth. The purpose of this experiment was not solely to create a modified external appearance, but to do it in a way that could not be altered by external modification. This rabbit represents a holistic modification since it was performed at the cellular level. Scientists dismiss this project as interesting but silly.

    Zaretsky wearing an egg necklace

     Artist Adam Zaretsky is another example of a cross-breed between a pseudo-biologist and an artist. He cannot be fully classified as either and does not fully fall into the category of biologist since he has made no notable contributions to the field. Rather, he uses what has already been created and studied to form pieces of art and works that bring together multiple feelings and emotions such as his MMMM (Macro Micro Music Massage.) 

     

Stelarc's Ear

     Stelios Arcadiou (Stelarc) is an artist who has explored the realm of self-modification. Among other things, he has implanted a cell-cultivated ear onto his left arm. The video above describes some of his dreams and aspirations regarding this new attachment. Works like this are so interesting because they border on the realm of absolutely insane and brilliant. Quite often the most brilliant ideas and experiments are considered idiotic at their respective time of conception. It takes time before things are realized. On the flip side, some works are simply ill thought-out and foolish.

Works Cited

Donnarumma, Marco. "Fractal Flesh - Alternate Anatomical Architectures." CEC. CEC, n.d. Web. 20 July 2014. <http://cec.sonus.ca/econtact/14_2/donnarumma_stelarc.html>.

Eduardo, Kac. "GFP BUNNY." GFP BUNNY. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 July 2014. <http://www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html>.

Zaretsky, Adam. "MMMM...." EMutagen: Future Life. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 July 2014. <http://emutagen.com/mmmm.html>.

"5 BioArt pt1." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 20 July 2014. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jUENH6GLzXY>.

"5 BioArt pt2." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 20 July 2014. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&feature=player_embedded&v=MdSt-Hjyi2I>.

"5 BioArt pt4." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 20 July 2014. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&feature=player_embedded&v=2qSc72u9KhI>.