Week Six

 May 6, 2021

Week Six: Art + Biotechnology

    The use of biotechnology as another extension of art has been recently introduced in the medical field. For example, in 1982 Joe Davis suggested the idea to manipulate DNA and the genome to express different artistic expressions. From his initial proposal, the creation of the Audio Microscope was made and he continued to mess around with the interactions between sound and cell structures in future projects. 

Image of Audio Microscope, created by Joe Davis

    The idea of mixing art and biotechnology is one of the most controversial topics in current society. Topics ranging from "designer babies" to the idea of "GMOs" have been hot topics of criticism. The concept of a designer baby is to alter DNA to create the so-called "perfect baby." Parents can choose whether they want their kids to have brown or blue eyes, straight or curly hair, and even more. The concept of designer babies is a topic of controversy because it is seen as unethical since scientists are testing on human subjects. While some think that a clump of cells is not seen as being "alive" in a sense, others will argue that the subjects are still "human." The creation of a human being is seen as a work of art in itself. While GMOs (genetically modified organisms) are not items of art themselves like humans, they are still altered to produce the best product. Whether the scientist is changing the shape, taste, color, or other aspects, the resulting product is still at its peak. One of the artists named Edward Steichen presented in Victoria Vesna's lecture genetically modified Delphiniums for his art exhibition to create a beautiful exhibit in the early 20th century. 

List of Pros and Cons of Designer Babies 

Picture of Edward Steichen's Delphiniums 

    The use of biotechnology to create forms of art is constantly developing in modern society. The development of new technology will continue to grow but opinions on the matter may not change. 

References:

Audio Microscope: Joe Davis: Genetics and Culture, geneticsandculture.com/genetics_culture/pages_genetics_culture/gc_w03/davis_audio_scope.htm.

“Edward Steichen's Delphiniums: MoMA.” The Museum of Modern Art, www.moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/2940.

Kealey, Terence. “Gene Editing Babies Is Unethical: Biochemist.” USA Today, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 27 Nov. 2018, www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2018/11/27/gene-editing-babies-china-aids-hiv-designer-ethics-crispr-column/2125880002/.

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. DESMA 9. Web. 18 Sep 2013.

Vesna, Victoria, Lecture. “BioTech Art Lecture V.” Web. 17 May 2012.