Week 6

Biotechnology is a controversial means to discovering the potential of scientific experimentation and innovation. Nowadays, many everyday food items are replicated scientifically. DNA experimentation leads to breakthroughs in medicine and cures. However, the way artists depict such biotechnology leads to much discomfort among public opinion.

Vesna mentioned Symbiotica experiments such as rabbits andmice that can be lit up in neon green. Many people take issues with such aesthetically pleasing, yet grotesque images because it does not ethically treat animals correctly. Similarly, experiments to modify butterfly wings are artistically portrayed to show gaping holes that are discolored and appear harmful to the creature.

A Symbiotica rabbit lit up in bright green.

The real question is, how much positive scientific research comes from torturing animals? Do the ends justify the means? Is it even safe to take medicine or eat food that was genetically modified?

The Impossible Burger is an example of genetic modification that's edible and healthy.

Kathy discussed this in her nanobioart blog 8 years ago when she said "I don't think research on GM foods is bad, I just think we need to be more cautious of the consequences. We need to do more long-term research before we have it available."

Artists take a lot of heat for portraying these experiments, which look rather grotesque such as Kathy High's rats. However, it's necessary they display the truth so people know what's going on and so biotechnologists can work towards ethical solutions in experimentation.

As to whether the ends justify the means, I think they can if it leads to cures for cancer, for example. "Outlaw biologists" are viewed as reclusive and at times creepy in their experimental ideas, but they can be misunderstood; as much as they have bizarre ideas, these scientists are the ones who can really make positive change.

Similarly, High's artistry displayed the evils of rat torture, but her artistic intensions were to show her empathy for the rodents because she suffers from Crohn's Disease and could benefit from biotechnology. The experiments she helped exhibit took genetically messed up rats and found solutions to their health problems.

An image of one of Kathy High's rats.

References:

Vesna, Victoria. "5bioart pt1 1280x720"YouTube, uploaded by UC Online, 18 Sept. 2018. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. "5bioart pt2"YouTube, uploaded by UC Online, 17 May 2012.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&time_continue=329&v=MdSt-Hjyi2I. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. "5bioart pt3"YouTube, uploaded by UC Online, 17 May 2012.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&time_continue=5&v=3EpD3np1S2g. Web.

Kelty, Chris. "Meanings of Participation: Outlaw Biology?"(Downloaded From Class Website). Web.

Kathy. "Week 7: Biotechnology." 07 Sept 2011. http://nanobioart.com/classes/ArtSci/taxonomy/term/15. Web