Week 6: BioTech+Art


Biotech, a cutting-edge study of the human genome and biological makeup, has an astounding level of intricacy and variation that has capture the eyes of the artists. Although its original intention sought a scientific approach that aimed to enhance the human life and cure diseases, some artists put a different spin to this field of study. While George Gessert hybridized plants and flowers to breed new “works” for his aesthetic show, others, like Stelarc took it one step further by genetically transforming the human body. His third ear became a controversial subject which begs the question “Should there be a separate standard for artist creating or manipulating living organisms? “


To answer the question one need to delve into the true intentions behind science and art. Should biotech and artsy biotech be viewed through different lenses? While human cloning is checked by the conforming moral standards, other forms of scientific approach such as GMO and experiments with living organisms is more often than not challenged and criticized for being unnatural. However, despite years of anti-GMO sentiment, there hasn't been any substantial evidence against its safety, and GMO is indeed enriching the human diet, enhancing the nutrition value and reducing food waste.


The art approach, on the other hand, exists to challenge the common norm, and inspire the public to explore the unexplored. Despite being drastically different, as long as neither bears malicious intent to undermine the current ecosystem, both forms should be allowed enough room for error and growth. Thus, despite the society's nature to fear the unknown, the same moral and safety standards should be set for both approaches since both generate significant value for the human progression.


References
Brody, Jane E. “Are G.M.O. Foods Safe?” The New York Times, The New York Times, 23 Apr. 2018, www.nytimes.com/2018/04/23/well/eat/are-gmo-foods-safe.html.
Dvorsky, George. “7 Bio-Artists Who Are Transforming the Fabric of Life Itself.” io9, io9.Gizmodo.com, 16 Dec. 2015, io9.gizmodo.com/7-bio-artists-who-are-transforming-the-fabric-of-life-i-558156053.
Hall, Kate. “Yes, GMOs Are Safe (Another Major Study Confirms).” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 26 May 2016, www.forbes.com/sites/gmoanswers/2016/05/20/gmos-are-safe/#1a864cd8223d.
Vaage, Nora S. Advances in Pediatrics., U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2016, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4791467/.
Vesna, Victoria. “5 BioArt pt4.” YouTube, Uconlineprogram, 17 May 2012,

www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&time_continue=174&v=2qSc72u9KhI

Comments

  1. Yuhan WangMay 14, 2018 at 4:32 PM

    Great posting! I totally agree with your points on the developments of biotech and some moral restrictions. Through recent study, I think people can use art to expand their imagination and their edges, resulting in progress on the technologies. And I think over all the developments on those biotech are great, though problems come along, but I believe people will eventually overcome those problems and reach to a better state!

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