BioTech + Art

The use of biotechnology with art has become highly controversial as artists modify living organisms. Ethical and social issues are brought up, especially the question of whether live animals should be used for art.

The artist George Gessert is known for creating hybrids of plants. He uses wild irises and discards the undesirable results. At his art installations, attendees get to make aesthetic decisions that will determine whether the plant lives or dies. However, some people become hostile because this process can be associated with Nazi Germany. Gessert acknowledges, “The traumas of the Holocaust and of the Eugenics movement are still with us, and I try to remember these wounds when I bring genetic issues into the galleries” (West).

                                                                                                      

The artist Orlan uses biotechnology in her art as well. She developed a coat made from pieces of skin from different races. The skin cells were made in colored petri dishes to signify cultural crossbreeding.

As part of her art, Marta de Menezes modified the wing patterns of live butterflies. To do this, she interfered with the development of the wing, which resulted in new pattern. “These wings are an example of something simultaneously natural, but resulting from human intervention” (De Menezes). Although she didn't change the genes of the butterflies, people were still upset because the wings ended up having holes in them. 

I think this is a perfect example of why people criticize the use of biotechnology in this way. If the genetic modification is not going to benefit humanity by advancing the medical field, then artists should limit what they do. I think there should be separate standards for artists who are manipulating living organisms than for scientists. But, to avoid restricting their creativity, artists could use a different media such as a video clip or a movie to share their art. They could film live animals and use editing programs to achieve their vision.  

De Menezes, Marta. "Nature?" Marta De Menezes. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://martademenezes.com/portfolio/projects/>.

King, Katie. "Examine: The Hybridization of Irises by George Gessert." Web log post. Digital Studio Project Development. N.p., 05 Sept. 2012. Web. 05 May 2015. <https://kingkati.wordpress.com/2012/09/05/examining-the-hybridization-of-irises-by-george-gessert/>.

"Marta De Menezes." - The Museum for Insects. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://www.hypernatural.com/museum/marta_de_menezes.html>.

"Orlan: Fine Arts, Artists." Orlan: Fine Arts, Artists. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://theredlist.com/wiki-2-351-382-1160-1163-view-france-profile-orlan-1.html>.

"Still, Living." Still, Living. Symbotica, n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://www.stillliving.symbiotica.uwa.edu.au/pages/artists/orlan.htm>.

Vesna, Victoria. "BioTech +Art Lectures." Desma 9. Web. 5 May 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-6-view?module_item_id=6472158>.

West, Ruth. "George Gessert: Genetics and Culture." George Gessert: Genetics and Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://viewingspace.com/genetics_culture/pages_genetics_culture/gc_w02/gc_w02_gessert.htm>.