Week 6 Blog
This week we read, “Meanings of Participation: Outlaw Biology?” by Kelty, Chris. “Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications” by Levy, Ellen K. and we watched a variety of videos which are related to the controversial topic about artists entering laboratories and using genes mutations as art. In the reading by Kelty, he states the difference between outlaws, hackers, and Victorian gentleman scientists. What all of these people have in common is that fact that they are all portrayed negatively. The group that most relates to artists in the lab is Victorian gentleman scientists due to the fact they are above the system, just how artists were able to enter the lab, a place only scientists were able to before.
 |
| Artists in Lab setting www.otis.edu/la-summer-residency/facilities. |
In the article by Levy, she states “The composite of our cellular origins is an important part of our evolution of microorganisms and life’s lineages” (pg.1) I found this interesting because it argues that artist should not be in the labs due to the fact they are working with genes that can lead to a genetic mutation which can have a negative effect. Mutations change the cellular origins and life lineages to something completely new and unable to recognize. For example, like artist Eduardo Kac's and his fluorescent bunny named ALBA (5 Bioart pt1). With using genes from a florescent jellyfish and injecting them into the albino bunny, he completely changed the bunny’s genetic makeup and changed its life lineage making it unrecognizable.
 |
| ALBA “Transgenic Bunny by Eduardo Kac.” |
After this art piece, SYMBIOTIC began which was a place both artists and scientists could work together in a lab. (5 Bioart pt2). In my opinion, I believe that artists should not be allowed to work with genes. It is a very risky working with genes and genetic mutations. Artists never think about the outcomes or accidents. Just like when Marta de Menezes created the butterfly with holes in its wings. (5 Bioart pt2). It is animal cruelty. Artist in labs even go against human rights like ORLAN with her art piece of the human skin blanket in a variety of colors. (5 Bioart pt4). I believe this art should not be allowed due to the fact they are not experienced enough to be working with such delict material never the less to use it as a form of art. Scientist work with genes for medical benefits, but artist only use it for fun.
 |
| Skin Blanket ORLAN AAKA ORLAN |
Refences
“Facilities.” Otis College of Art and Design, www.otis.edu/la-summer-residency/facilities.
Kelty, Chris. “Meanings of Participation: Outlaw Biology?”
Levy, Ellen K. “Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications.”
ORLAN AAKA ORLAN | Exhibition | Prometeo Gallery | by Ida Pisani, www.prometeogallery.com/en/mostra/orlan-aaka-orlan.
“Transgenic Bunny by Eduardo Kac.” GNN - Genome News Network, www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/03_02/bunny_art.shtml.
uconlineprogram. 5 Bioart pt1. YouTube, YouTube, 18 Sept. 2013, Length 15:04.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg.
uconlineprogram. 5 Bioart pt2. YouTube, YouTube, 17 May 2012, Length 5:59. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdSt-Hjyi2I&t=3s.
uconlineprogram. 5 Bioart pt4. YouTube, YouTube, 17 May 2012, Length 5:47. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qSc72u9KhI.
I do agree with you that the intersection between biotechnology and art can benefit human health
ReplyDeletebut the last statement "Scientist work with genes for medical benefits, but artist only use it for fun."
Changing gene itself is very risky for a life but the statement that "artist only use it for fun" has an error.
There may be many artists who misuse the technology but not all the bio-artist use it for fun.
So time will solve this problem, as we keep discussing this ethical problem.