Biotechnology and Art

Suspect Inversion Center

Art produced from biotechnology could be considered to be the closest that art and science could come together. As nature has always influences artists and their works, it seems only natural that artists would take an interest to use biotechnology to further their artwork. However, as much of this technology is new, and set of ethical outlines has not been concretely established, this art form requires great supervision.

While art has influenced many scientific breakthroughs in the past, it is important to remember when using scientific materials as a medium, to use them for the improvement of humankind. As with any scientific experiment, artwork made with these materials needs to follow the same ethical guidelines for the use of these materials, as well as the application of these materials on live subjects.

Alba, the fluorescent bunny  

The gfp bunny is an example of how biotech art can be both harmful and unnecessary. As this wasn’t a new development and has already been performed by scientists on lab rats, this piece was neither informative, or ethical. To use biotech for one's own enjoyment, and just for the purpose of a shock factor. This work used advanced materials, as well as used the man power that could have been applied to projects that could have been used to help a patient.

Revival Field 

Some art pieces can be helpful, such as the work of the suspect inversion center, where their pieces are designed to inform the public on the actual extent of forensic technology, which has been often over exaggerated in the media.

The revival field is another example of how art installations can be used to help society, as the plants were biologically engineered to extract heavy metals from contaminated soil. This piece is both interesting, as well as produces a solution to a problem that exists.

So, while some forms of art using biotechnology have been both beautiful as well as helpful, it is important to maintain an ethical guideline when both creating, and viewing these forms of art. The unity of art and science has the potential to vastly help society, but has also shown that when performed incorrectly, could potentially become detrimental.

Suspect Inversion Center (SIC), www.paulvanouse.com/sic.html.

“GFP BUNNY.” NATURAL HISTORY OF THE ENIGMA, www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html#gfpbunnyanchor.

“How Did Matilda, Tara and Star Barbie Become Transgenic Rats?” Embracing Animal :: All About Transgenic Rats, www.embracinganimal.com/transrats.html.

“Revival Field – Mel Chin.” Bio – Mel Chin, melchin.org/oeuvre/revival-field.

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. DESMA 9. Web. 30 Oct. 2012.