Biotechnology - Coined by Eduardo Katz
- GMO in foods
- Mixing species
- Working with live cells and animals
Lecture 1
- Nature has always been a fascination for artists
- Science allows the palette of the artist to expand
- How to define bio-art? Working with the tissue directly? Or is it important to collaborate with scientists using scientific imaging?
- How are animals used in bio-art?
Joe Davis: Pioneer of Biotech Art
- Genes and genomes as a new palette
- Came up with ideas to insert DNA into bacteria that scientists considered crazy and dangerous
- Wanted to create geometric viral capsids
- Audio Microscope: allows imaging of cells as sound using microacoustic signatures that are species-specific
- Project looking at how E-Coli responds to Jazz
- Looking at the map of the milky way in the ear of a transgenic mouse (inserting DNA sequence that looked like the milky way)
- Wanted to create and info gene to translate machine into meaning, wanted to send a genetically engineered sign of human intelligence and throw them into space. Vector was E-Coli (has survived intense cold and radiation in deep space). Selected micro-venus as a representation of life. Was also a representation of female genitalia as a balance to the phallic symbols being sent out into space.
- Heaven + Earth + Joe Davis -- why would someone want to code poetry into the eyes of a fly? "All of our dreams are going to come true. So we will have to have the right kinds of dreams. This is why science needs artists like me"
Eduardo Katz's Fluorescent Bunny
- Zygote micro-injection of EGFG inserted into fertilized rabbit egg cells
- Fluorescence as a method of tagging proteins, allows for tracing ability without using surgery
- Creation of "unique living beings" --> controversial because it is manipulating lives
- What are the ethical implications of using animals in art?
- Role as a vector of dialogue using the combination of artwork and biotechnology
Lecture 2
- Experimentation officially solidified in 2000 --> SYMBIOTICA
- R.M. Katz, Yanat Zeur (sp) - worked at Harvard on tissue engineering
- "fish and chips" - robotic arm run by the activity of goldfish neurons, arm connected to art medium to produce pieces of art
Adam Zaretsky
- Collaborated with Joe Davis, first international resident of Symbiotica
- 4 major artworks, humor is central theme, grounded by biological issues
- Learning of life's alterations is a perception of beauty and transformation
Marta de Menezes
- Using genetic manipulation to alter the design/patterns shown in butterfly wings
- Holes int he wings emerged, leading to controversy about ethical nature of the experiment
Kathy High
- "Blood Wars" -- looks at biological reactions of human white blood cells, looks at traits transmitted through blood. Competition where different blood cells compete for dominance over the petri dish
- Aim is for a better understanding of blood cells, immune system functioning, etc.
- What sounds create stresses for lab rats? Usage of typical lab sounds (ultrasonic emissions, sounds from rats, machines, etc.)
- If we can solve human health problems using rats, why are we treating them as vermin and pests? We need to be thankful for their help in advancing science.
- Transgenic mice: altered and manipulated as hybrids and chimeras
- Kathy has Crohn's disease and autoimmune disorder is triggered by stress -- brings an empathetic viewpoint on the treatment of lab animals
Orlan
- Public plastic surgery performances
- Latest piece in residence at Symbiotica --> Harlequin Coat made out of different skin grafts grown in vitro
- Skin pieces symbolize cultural crossbreeding, cultural hybridization
- Different idea of beauty, how crossbreeding mixes these differing conception via a carnal media
Critical Art Ensemble (CAE, 1987)
- "Strange Culture" -- confusion between art and bioterrorism
- Third ear on the arm, subdermal implant on the arm
Edward Steinken - MOMA (plants that were hand grown and delivered)
- Dedicated horticulturalist
- 1936 exhibition of flowers
- George Gessert inspired by this, creates own hybrid of irises
- How do human aesthetic preferences affect evolution?
- Interpretation of nature by humans, through his manipulation of irises and other ornamental flowers.
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