Bioart is a very controversial topic, both in its
definition, and in its ethics. There are many types of bioartists, all varying
in type of work. For example, Gessert works with biological modification of
plants[6], Stelarc uses his body as a medium, Menezes and Kac used animals[6,1],
and Oron Catts used individual cells[5]. Clearly, the fusion of art and science
is very distinct. However, after researching this topic, it appears that in the
case of bio art, the relationship may have gone too far. As mentioned, it
appears there are many different ways bioart can manifest itself, and I think
that evaluating each type separately is key to deciding whether or not this
pursuit is ethical.
For example, Free Range Grain was a performance art project
shown in Europe that allowed for people to bring food labeled “organic” to a
portable public lab where they would test to see if it was actually a GMO[2]. This
type of bioart is taking a stance against genetically modified food and
bringing awareness to how prevalent it actually is. Similarly, Kathy High built
an elaborate home for transgenic mice within a museum to take a stance against
the treatment of mice as property in biotech companies[6]. In this way, bio art
is provoking social issues and we are able to question the implications of big
biomedical industries[7].
Levy brings up the question as to whether genetic
engineering for “trivial” uses is okay[3]. I would say it depends; in the two
descriptions above, bioart appears ethical. This is similar in my opinion when
using your own body as the medium for bioart, and when using plants or
individual cells. However, Kac and Menezes’s work on animals is the hardest to
condone. Many of Kac’s rabbits that did not glow were killed and the wings on
Menezes’s butterflies suffered holes[4]. This type of work is doing exactly what
the biotech industry does—so using these pieces of “art” to take a stand
doesn’t make sense. Therefore, in so far as bioart is a stand against the
biotech industry, it is only ethical when no harm comes to living animals and
when they are using their art to do something OTHER than “mirror” the exact
actions of the industry.
References
[1]“Asymmetrical Butterfly Wings.” GNN. 28 May 2004. Web. 8 May 2015. <http://www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/2004/05/28/butterflywings.php>.
[2]Broadhurst, Susan. “Bioart: Transgenic Art and Recombinant
Theatre.” Bioart: Transgenic Art and
Recombinant Theatre. Web. 8 May 2015.<http://www.ekac.org/broadhurst.html>.
[3]Levy, Ellen K.. “Defining Life: Artists Challenge
Conventional Classifications.” DESMA 9. Web. 2 Nov
2012.
[4]Schmitz,
Rob. “Bioartists’ Flesh Sculptures Draw Fans and Critics.” NPR, 10 Dec. 207. Web. 8 May 2015. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=17097173>.
[5]“The
Semi- Living Worry Dolls.” Science
Gallery. Web. 8 May 2015. <https://dublin.sciencegallery.com/visceral/semi-living-worry-dolls/index.html>.
[6]Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. DESMA 9. Web. 30 Oct.
2012.
[7]Walden, Stephanie. “BioArt: Is it Art? Is it Science? Is It
the Future?” Mashable. 29 Oct. 2013.
Web. 8 May 2015. <http://mashable.com/2013/10/29/cutpastegrow-bioart/>.
Hi Natalie! I think you bringing up the "Free Range Grain" is so important, especially in Los Angeles where there it's all about juicing and gluten-free. I read recently that Chipotle decided to stop using all GMO ingredients in order to change the stereotype of "fast food" being unhealthy. I think you bring in a lot of good examples, however, I would love to hear your own personal experiences or thoughts on the topic as well!
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