Joe Davis is Dr. Vesna's primary example as a pioneer of biotech art. Using genes and genomes as a new palette, he came up with ideas to insert DNA into bacteria that scientists considered crazy and dangerous. Among his diverse array of project included creating geometric viral capsids, observing cells through audio microscopes (allowing imaging of cells as sound using microacoustic signatures that are species-specific), a project looking at how E-Coli responds to Jazz, and another looking at the map of the milky way in the ear of a transgenic mouse (inserting DNA sequence that looked like the milky way).
While at first glance I thought that these projects were trite and somewhat excessive, upon further thought I can definitely understand Davis' perspective. In using these various biologically-based techniques, his work exemplifies the third culture and highlights the interconnectedness between art and science. He draws parallels in highlighting the beauty of the Milky Way and sequences of DNA, through the canvas of a mouse ear. Similarly, just as "typical" art attempts to convey a message or comment on society, Davis uses biotech as his own language in which he attempted to not only communicate with humans, but with extraterrestrials as well. This is exemplified in his E-Coli project, where Davis wanted to create and info gene to translate machine into meaning, by sending a genetically engineered sign of human intelligence and throw them into space. The vector was E-Coli (has survived intense cold and radiation in deep space), and plates were arranged to display a micro-venus as a representation of life, and also as a representation of female genitalia to balance the phallic symbols being sent out into space.
The confusion and discussion about Davis' art is understandable -- why would someone want to code poetry into the eyes of a fly? What is the point? I believe that Davis preemptively saw the rise of a third culture, where science will advance so much to a state that the world of arts and sciences will meld into a new third culture with endless possibilities. This is best described through Davis himself, as he is quoted stating, "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."
Another example that I thought exemplified the use of biotechnology to express a human condition was Kathy High's "Blood Wars". Blood Wars looked at biological reactions of human white blood cells, and looked at traits transmitted through blood. The competition itself occurred where different blood cells compete for dominance over the petri dish. In using white blood cells, Kathy highlights that even the most basic components of human beings contain a wealth of information, and that differences between different blood cells can lead to competition and "war" within a petri dish, just as different cultures and religions have clashed in war and conflict throughout history.
One overarching theme that was highlighted in the biotechnology lecture was the concept of the "unknown". With this entirely new field of bio-art, there were no culturally defined standards of beauty, no standards of practice. This burgeoning field has gone through a period of growth and uncertainty, and as both artists and scientists attempt to push already stretching boundaries, their work can lead to controversy and pushback. Such was shown with the emergence of "Strange Culture", where artists at the Critical Art Ensemble were investigated by the FBI because their art projects were considered potential bioterrorism. This is exemplified again from another perspective through Kathy High -- much of her work is focused on studying lab rats, finding out how to properly care for lab mice by discovering what sounds may trigger stress. From her perspective, 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.
This applies to both art and science -- in creating art pieces such as Eduardo Katz's transgenic bunny, artists must keep in mind the well-being of the animals they are using as canvases, while in science, scientists must make sure that they are not imposing extreme pain or torture on their test animals. This is particularly pertinent with advances in biotechnology where chimeric animals and individual genetic modifications are not commonplace. Another example of this is Marta de Menezes' butterfly experiment. While she attempted to genetically code new patterns into her butterflies for an art exhibition, the fact that many of her butterflies developed holes in their wings due to genetic manipulation stirred up much controversy. Many argued that while it is beautiful to watch genetic manipulation manifest itself in beautiful patterns, it is unethical to seize authority over these butterflies' well-being without having any goal of achieving "greater good" through advancement in science or medicines. Thus, genetic manipulation has found more success in biological processes involving plants as opposed to animals, exemplified through Edward Steinkin's MOMA exhibition exhibiting various modified irises. One thing that I'd love to explore further is the field of molecular gastronomy. There is a huge trend in the culinary world where chefs are becoming increasingly adventurous with their ingredients and cooking methods, from nitrogen ice creams to soy lecithin foams. As with many other fields where science and art are finding newfound harmony, these new techniques allow for some crazy flavor combinations and textures, expanding the palette of taste even further!
Sources:
de Menezes, Marta. "Nature?." Marta de Menezes. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 July 2014. <http://martademenezes.com/portfolio/projects/>.High, Kathy. "Blood Wars Trailer." Vimeo. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 July 2014. <http://vimeo.com/20903389>.Steichen, Edward. "Moma | The Collection | Edward Steichen." N.p., n.d. Web. 19 July 2014. <http://www.moma.org/collection/artist.php?artist_id=5623>This, H. (2008). Molecular gastronomy: exploring the science of flavor. New York: Columbia University Press.Vesna, Victoria. "Biotechnology + Art, Part 4." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 18 July 2014. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2qSc72u9KhI&list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7>
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