Week 6: BioTech + Art

I've always been conflicted on the use of biotechnology in the medium of art. Any form of production or display that involves living beings can often be an expressway into exploitation. However many artists, such as Paola Anotelli consider the usage of biotech in art to be classical, as Leonardo Da Vinci and several other classical artists used to dissect animals^[1]. I too, agree that in some cases the use of biotech can be harmless and valuable such as the 'Audio Microscope' referred to by professor Vesna^[2]. One thing is for sure, there should be stringent regulation to make sure artists cannot exploit any living beings to make their pieces.

An Audio Microscope

Both artists and scientists alike have been using animals to test concepts and theories. Historically, this has led to multiple instances of gross negligence or exploitations leading to severe deformities and eventually death. As professor Vesna mentions, rats are often the target of these experiments as they closely resemble humans on the evolution tree^[3]. A lot of these experiments can be considered unethical, and even cruel. The most notable being sewing human body parts (such as ears) to rats. A less extreme example was the work of Naveen Thomas, who used pigeons flapping around in an enclosed place to alter the sounds being played^[4]. This could have easily affected the pigeons' homing and navigation abilities.

A pig being tattooed for an art demonstration.

Ultimately, I can see the contribution the biotech world has on art, but I often wish there would be better regulation on the usage of living beings in artistic production pieces. There must be an established standard, and a definitive line set that no one should be able to cross. I understand and appreciate the value of human creativity, but I firmly believe there must be a limit to it. Human creativity should not be an excuse to diminish the living standards of any living being, be it human, animal, bird or microbe.

Victimless Leather—A Prototype of Stitch-less Jacket grown in a Technoscientific “Body”

Resources

[1] Miranda, Carolina A. "Weird Science: Biotechnology as Art Form." ARTnews. 18 Mar. 2013. Web. 09 May 2016.

[2] Vesna, Victoria. "5 Bioart Pt1 1280x720." YouTube. YouTube, 2013. Web. 09 May 2016.

[3] Vesna, Victoria. " Bioart Pt3." YouTube. YouTube, 2013. Web. 09 May 2016.

[4] "10 Controversial Works of Art Using Live Animals." Flavorwire 10 Controversial Works of Art Using LiveAnimals Comments. 2012. Web. 09 May 2016.

[5] Davis, Joe. "Audio Microscope: Joe Davis : Genetics and Culture." Audio Microscope: Joe Davis : Genetics and Culture. 2000. Web. 09 May 2016.

[6] Rapko, John. "Aesthetics For Birds: "Animal Abuses in Art" by John Rapko." Aesthetics For Birds: "Animal Abuses in Art" by John Rapko. Web. 09 May 2016.