Week 6- BioTech + Art

Alba the Fluorescent bunny
Again, this week was super interesting to me as it discussed the way BioTech and art interact in our modern society.  This week’s lecture gave me a clearer understanding of the role Biotechnology has within art, but not only that, how it is integrated into our society through the use of animals.  The most interesting part of the lecture was the discussion of Alba the fluorescent bunny, and its scientific trials that could change the face of medicine in the human body.

Alba was injected with the jellyfish bioluminescent genes as a fertilized egg, meaning that its genes were now basically glow in the dark. This experiment, included artist working directly with biologists, geneticists and neuroscientists to inject the flesh of an animal and I believe that we benefit from there finding more than anyone would know.  This was a very beneficial experiment as we can see that scientists could use this experiment in humans by injected different genes. The scientists could then see the movement of genes in the human bodily system that they never though possible. Along with this, scientists could also hopefully attach the bioluminescent gene to cancerous genes or traits and see the movements of the destructive cells. This could lead to earlier detection of cancers in the human race, and maybe even prevent some from becoming detrimental to some.
Eduardo Kac

Another interesting part of the lecture I thought was the introduction to Eduardo Kac and his work as transgenic Art. I realise that there was a lot of resistance to his work with animals in art, however what I also believe is that the resistance groups do not understand that these works of art are purposeful due to there interactions with science and what they do for the field.  When his work was reported as scientific, you can see the purpose behind it and its links in helping to fight cancer.
Animal Rights activists groups

This week was a great example of how art, biotechnology, math, science, technology and medicine all work together to produce a better world for us to live and participate in.

 Sources: 

"A critique of animal rights ideology." Libcom.org. N.p., n.d. Web.

“Biotech Art – We Make Money Not Art.” We Make Money Not Art, we-make-money-not-art.com/category/biotech-art/.

"Bioart through Evolution: George Gessert." Revolution Bioengineering. N.p., n.d.

ChicagoHumanities. “Eduardo Kac: Transgenic Artist.” YouTube, YouTube, 9 Dec. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LSJVD0m1Mg.

"Eduardo Kac: Biological Art." Eduardo Kac: Biological Art | digitalarti.com. N.p., 30 Apr. 2013.

Green Fluorescent Protein - Cool Uses - Alba. N.p., n.d. Web

UNESCO Arts, Science & Technology, digitalarts.lmc.gatech.edu/unesco/biotech/artists/bio_a_ekac.html.

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. Biotechnology and Art pt. 1 Video. University of California, Los Angeles, May 7, 2018

Comments

  1. Austin RappMay 13, 2018 at 8:54 PM

    I have never really thought about the connection between art and biotechnology. It is pretty interesting for me to see this because I usually think of genetic modification being some scientists in a lab, but many of them really are artists in their own way. I think that your blog did a good job of highlighting this. Also, I found it interesting that you included the bit at the end defending the scientists. Sure, sometimes the work humans do is cruel, but sometimes it is absolutely necessary in order to develop in our research of things like cancer. I really enjoyed reading and cannot wait to read next week :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. UnknownMay 16, 2018 at 2:15 PM

    Hey Bronte,

    I really enjoyed your post this week. I too commented on the fascinating scientific experiment of Alba the glowing bunny. I completely agree that this can lead to several breakthroughs in the medical and scientific fields when applied to human beings and their gene makeup. Great post!

    ReplyDelete

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