Medicine + Biotechnology + Neuroscience + Art

This week's lessons on biotechnology and neuroscience in relation to art was extremely eye-opening for me. I was unaware of the fact that many artists actually worked in scientific laboratories to create their masterpieces. I believe that life itself is a very valid expressive medium for artwork. Whether or not it is ethical depends on the situation. The GFP (fluorescent) Bunny by Eduardo Kac is an example of transgenic art. This requires alteration of the animal's genes which some people have viewed as torturous and unnecessary. Another example is Joe Davis' Audio Microscope; I find this concept to be an amazing step for both art and science. Being able to hear living cells greatly extends our knowledge and opens new doors for scientific research.

GFP Bunny

I see the meaning inherent in the use of biotechnology for the purpose of art as a way to find a connection between life and creativity. It is an artist's ability to create a work that embodies both principles. As wonderful as this concept is, I think that restrictions should be more stringent for artists than for those in academia because a line has to be drawn on what can and cannot be done to the human body and to animals. There are ethical concerns and much controversy surrounds this topic. 

Human Brain

There is a need for separate standards for those manipulating human life and other organisms for artistic reasons. I find it necessary to protect humans and animals from harm but at the same time allow for artists to express their creativity. Neuroscience is another area of academia that has had much contact with art in the recent decades. Brainbows, for example, allow us to map neural connections using fluorescent colors. This in itself produces beautiful works that clearly shows the entwining nature of the human body and art.

"Brainbow"

It is difficult to say whether or not there should be a limit to human creativity. There should only be a limit when it comes down to whether this creativity is harmful to life or unethical in any way. Creativity should never be suppressed but at the same time, we cannot allow for living organisms to endure pain or hardship because of it. 

Transgenic Fish

Citations

Eduardo , Kac. "GFP Bunny." . N.p.. Web. 21 Jul 2013. <http://www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html>

Design Media Arts 98T Genetics and Culture. Joe Davis. N.p.. Web. 21 Jul 2013. <http://www.viewingspace.com/genetics_culture/pages_genetics_culture/gc_w03/davis_joe.htm>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Biotechnology and Art." DESMA 9. University of California, Los Angeles. 

Miller, Greg. "Rainbow Brain Map Reveals Grid-Like Pattern." Science Now. 30 3 2012: n. page. Web. 21 Jul. 2013. <http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/03/connectome-brain-map/>.

Transgenic Fish. N.d. Photograph. NatureWeb. 21 Jul 2013. <http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v26/n11/images/nbt1108-1205-I1.jpg>.

GFP Bunny. N.d. Photograph. ConncollWeb. 21 Jul 2013. <http://www.conncoll.edu/ccacad/zimmer/GFP-ww/images/alba2.jpg>.

Human Brain. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 21 Jul 2013. <http://media.salon.com/2012/08/ravenous_brain_rect.jpg>.

Brainbow. N.d. Photograph. TumblrWeb. 21 Jul 2013. <http://25.media.tumblr.com/6b968eefe73542a8fb86c857394c7259/tumblr_mkhbcuL0Fy1r2m36ko1_1280.jpg>.