BioTech + Art

Joe Davis is known as a pioneer in the field of Bio Art for his work in many areas such as studying the effects of music on bacteria, such as E Coli. Bio Art plays a role in the genetic engineering of different scientific subjects in the form of art.  This is a very controversial topic for many reasons, because people argue that it is inhumane to perform this art on animals, or to genetically change nature. However, there are also many reasons that Bio Art should continue to be expressed in our world today.

 An intriguing experiment done by scientists and claimed by artists was that of an albino bunny that was injected with cells from a fluorescent jellyfish.  This should be considered a form of art as science, because artists have performed a special display of creativity, upon a living creature.  By injecting the rabbit, scientists may also target specific strands of DNA that they are targeting in order to study as well.  In this case the rabbit is the canvas, and the jellyfish cells are the paint brush.

Another example of Bio Art is when a group called Symbiotica used gold fish neurons in order to control a robot arm, which drew a picture, creating art.  This is an interesting art form that is derived from the use of science.

Flowers have also been cross bred in order to convey a form of art.  This hybrid flower is an example of the beauties that may be presented with the use of Bio Art.  This is a very special type of art, one that alters nature which provides a controversial topic.  Controversial or not, this art form is unique and extraordinary.

Sources:

Vesna, Victoria. "Bioart" Lecture. YouTube. Sep 18, 2013. Nov 10, 2013.

Levy, Ellen. "Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications." Essay. Nov 10, 2013.

"Animal Biotechnology" University of California Television. YouTube. July 25, 2008. Nov 10, 2013.

High, Kathy. "Embracing Animal" Website. Nov 10, 2013.

Kac, Eduardo. "GFP Bunny" Article. Nov 10, 2013.