Week 6: BioTech and Art

Many artists have altered animal genes because they are curious of the outcome, but it is often to make a statement and not necessarily with the intention of useful research. One artist even genetically engineered mice with Elvis Presley's DNA. Using a piece of the his hair purchased on eBay, Koby Barhad created 3 mice and even had them live in special cages to simulate important parts of Elvis's life. 

The pieces discussed in the lecture videos usually involved a practice similar to those used in animal testing but without a product to test or a reason for the procedure. Modifying nature to create an artistic statement is an interesting concept because it goes against many moral laws, but it can also be beneficial to gain a better understanding of the natural world.

In one example, an artist modified the genes controlling the patterns on butterfly wings. However, this resulted in holes growing in the wings, which left the butterflies handicapped. Kathy High did a project called Blood Wars using human white blood cells to test which traits create the most dominant cells. Different people’s cells were placed in one dish and the cells that survived went on to compete against other cells. This is an example of bio art that isn’t harmful to nature and can actually be useful in practical applications to gain understanding.

 Organizations attempting to stop this research like ELF are being counterproductive by using violence to display their beliefs. Destroying research is only going to waste money and all the efforts that are already in progress. It is important for humans to take personal responsibility for the future and make sure genetically modified food and animals are safe and a necessary progression, but not in a violent or harmful way. These advancements involve human creativity, but when living creatures are involved, art that serves no scientific purpose should not be considered ethical. 

"Kathy High: Visual/media Artist, Independent Curator, Educator." Kathy High: Projects: Blood Wars. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2013.

"Koby Barhad Clones Mice with Elvis Presley's DNA." Designboom Architecture Design Magazine Koby Barhad Clones Mice with Elvis Presleys DNA Comments. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2013.

"New Green Eyes: First Butterfly That's Genetically Modified: Science News Online, March 13, 2004." New Green Eyes: First Butterfly That's Genetically Modified: Science News Online, March 13, 2004. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Nov. 2013.

Steadman, Ian. "Artist Genetically Engineers Mice with the DNA of Elvis Presley."Wired UK. N.p., 10 July 2012. Web. 09 Nov. 2013.