Week6 BioTech + Art

Among all we learn this quarter so far, biotechnology is one of the most controversial topics to discuss. Ever since scientists discovered DNA, people have been wondering whether we can transform life and even create life. More and more scientists devote their time into experimenting how modifications of genome can change the behaviors and traits of different species. Moreover, artists have started to combine the good and bad of advanced biotechnology into their artworks. However, I believe there should be some limits for artists who actually do artworks by changing existing life formulas and posing potential danger to the world.

Can human discover the ultimate secret of life eventually?

According to my personal experience, genetically modified food can be bought in many supermarkets in China. But Chinese people are questioning the safety of genetically modified food though they are usually cheaper than organic food. The controversy of GMO (genetically modified organism) has been discussed for a long time and much need to be done in order to make people aware of the potential harm that GMO could cause. Some artists even make caricature that illustrates people turn into zombie after eating large amount of GMO. The controversial GMO will continue to be the central discussion of how people should react to the advanced biotechnology. Indeed, the existing hunger problem in the world prompts scientists to experiment more possible way to increase the yield of food.

People have the right to know whether they are eating GMO.

Incredibly, artists like Eduardo Kac is the pioneer of transgenic art, a term coined by Eduardo Kac to describe a new art form by using genetic engineering techniques to create unique living beings. His artwork truly amazed the general public originally. It almost seemed like he created an entire new creature. Biotechnology gives people the power to alter and even overthrow the order of nature. It is enchanting, like the Pandora's Box, however dangerous. Scientists and artists in this field should slow down their progress and take a moment to think about the consequences before trying to open the "box" without caution. Before "Creativity breeds creativity", we would like to make sure that this creativity will not destroy the world.

Eduardo Kac with his artwork: Edunia and transgenic bunny

In conclusion, I believe that the society should be cautious of the speed of the development of biotechnology, one of the most unique studies that is greatly different than other sciences. The fruit of this technology seems attractive to many people. Nonetheless, it is well-known that science is a double-edged sword and it is more applicable to biotechnology though it might not be apparent right now.


Work cited:

Kim Slawson. "Eduardo Kac's GFP Bunny, a Work of Transgenic Art, or, It's Not Easy Being Green". Web. Nov 19 2000. http://www.ekac.org/slawson%203.html

Levy, Ellen K. "Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications." Rpt. in Context Providers: Conditions of Meaning in Media Arts. Chicago: n.p., 2011.

Kelty, Chris. "Meanings of Participation: Outlaw Biology?" Outlaws, Hackers, Victorian Gentlemen. N.p., 2010. Web. 8 May 2015.

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. DESMA 9. Web. 30 Oct. 2012.