Week 6: BioTech + Art

This week, we discussed biotechnology and how it connects to art. Professor Vesna discusses the benefits that these two fields give to our society. She also discusses the importance of Joe Davis and his impact on this field. Joe Davis was one of the first to work with genes and bacteria and researches how sounds and light affect how bacteria responds to a stimulus. While science is rapidly growing and making huge advancements, scientists are now able to mutate living organisms. These mutations can sometimes create results that are eye-opening.

According to an article, Jens Hauser, a Paris-based Bio-artist, claims that bio-tech is not just "about using scientific techniques:creating hybrids and manipulating live organisms" (Hauser). After looking at some of the art pieces that bio-art has produced, it seems very similar to a Frankenstein or Avant-Garde type material. It may be unique and different, however, bio-tech and art have combined to create amazing ideas through genetic construction and has opened many possibilities to see what organisms can possibly be. 

In an article, Ruth West had posed some questions regarding bio-tech and art fields and what the limits are for the scientists and artists that are involved in each field. If I was to personally answer her question saying whether there should be limits to human creativity, I would most likely say no. The reason I would say no is because I think that creativity such as this, is what pushes our society to keep creating new things. Yes, I believe there are moral boundaries that scientists and artists should not cross, however, I still think we should support the wanting for more in the world of science. 

Resources:
Dauerer, Verena. "Making 'BioArt' a Cultural Practice | The Japan Times." Japan Times RSS. N.p., 30 July 2010. Web. 13 May 2017.

Dohnalkova, Alice. "2015 BioArt Winners." Faseb. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2017.

Green, Joanne."Networked_Performance—Biotech Art Workshop [Skopje]." NetworkedPerformance RSS. N.p., 25 Sept. 2010. Photo. Web. 12 May 2017.

Miranda, Carolina A. "Weird Science: Biotechnology as Art Form." ARTnews. N.p., 18 Mar. 13. Web. 13 May 2017.

Vesna, Victoria. “5 BioArt pt4” Lecture. YouTube. Uconlineprogram, 17 May. 2015. Web. 12 May. 2017.







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