Week 6 Blog -- BioTech + Art -- Phoebe Nguyen

As we have been discussing throughout this class so far, the discussion of intersecting fields of work are allowing us to expand our skill sets to generate more knowledge. For example, Osamu Shimomura, a Japanese chemist, was awarded a Nobel Prize for isolating green fluorescent protein from jellyfish (Vesna 10:25). This discovery was later used to contribute to improved development in research, as scientists took this gene and inserted it into mice to track active levels of proteins. This allowed researchers to study the effectiveness of potential healthcare drugs without needing to conduct surgery.  

Zaraisky, Andrey G. “Confocal Microscopy of Fluorescent Protein Expression in HeLa Cells.” Structural Basis for the Fast Maturation of Arthropoda Green Fluorescent Protein, Nov. 2006, https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Confocal-microscopy-of-fluorescent-protein-expression-in-HeLa-cells-A-ppluGFP2-green_fig3_224092963. Accessed 11 May 2023. 


While this discovery led to developments in research, artists like Eduardo Kac used this same knowledge of the green fluorescent protein to fuel his statement on blurring the lines between social life and private family life as he inserted these proteins into a house rabbit (Levy 2014). He emphasized the duality of how “normal” and cuddly the rabbit could be, but also how different and “scary” it could be once seen under a blacklight. 


Kac, Eduardo. “Eduardo Kac with His GPF Bunny.” The (Bio)Technological Sublime, 2000, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0392192112469162. Accessed 11 May 2023. 

Kac’s work faced controversy as many individuals did not see how his use of this newly discovered scientific procedure would contribute to general knowledge for the public. This response is in alignment with the ongoing and controversial debate on ethics; especially when it comes to research and animals. 


This idea of controversy was further supported when artist Marta de Menezes modified wing patterns of live butterflies by changing their cell structure. However, when the butterflies ended up having  holes in their wings, people were very disturbed by her actions (Vesna 4:47). 


With so many controversial views and arguments on this topic, there are many who have come forth with an empathetic view, such as artist Kathy High. She was against the use of transgenic rats and felt we should treat rats and animals as what they are, opposed to disposable things for research (Vesna 4:53). 


Lastly, there are also a lot of artists using their knowledge of science and genetics simply to create beautiful things. Artist George Gessert hybridizes irises to produce aesthetically pleasing breeds of irises (Vesna 2:30).


Hudson, Jay, and Terri Hudson. “Purple Hybridized Iris.” Modifying Genes in Search of Aesthetics, This Is George Gessert’s Bioart, 23 Mar. 2003, https://fahrenheitmagazine.com/en/modern-art/Visual/modify-genes-in-search-of-aesthetics-this-is-the-bioart-of-george-gessert. Accessed 11 May 2023. 

I believe that the intersection of biotech and art can be ethically sound so long as the methods used to create the art are not inflicting harm on any parties involved (including the test subject). 


References 

Levy, Ellen K. “Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications.” Context Providers, 2014, pp. 275–298, https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctv36xvqqx.16.  

Vesna, Victoria. “5 bioart pt1.” Youtube, UC Online, 18 Sept. 2013, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg&t=625s.   

Vesna, Victoria. “5 bioart pt2.” Youtube, UC Online, 17 May. 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MdSt-Hjyi2I&list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7.    

Vesna, Victoria. “5 bioart pt3.” Youtube, UC Online, 17 May. 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3EpD3np1S2g&list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7.     

Vesna, Victoria. “5 bioart pt5.” Youtube, UC Online, 17 May. 2012, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7zHIdsFS3A&list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7.   


Images

Hudson, Jay, and Terri Hudson. “Purple Hybridized Iris.” Modifying Genes in Search of Aesthetics, This Is George Gessert’s Bioart, 23 Mar. 2003, https://fahrenheitmagazine.com/en/modern-art/Visual/modify-genes-in-search-of-aesthetics-this-is-the-bioart-of-george-gessert. Accessed 11 May 2023. 

Kac, Eduardo. “Eduardo Kac with His GPF Bunny.” The (Bio)Technological Sublime, 2000, https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/full/10.1177/0392192112469162. Accessed 11 May 2023. 

Zaraisky, Andrey G. “Confocal Microscopy of Fluorescent Protein Expression in HeLa Cells.” Structural Basis for the Fast Maturation of Arthropoda Green Fluorescent Protein, Nov. 2006, https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Confocal-microscopy-of-fluorescent-protein-expression-in-HeLa-cells-A-ppluGFP2-green_fig3_224092963. Accessed 11 May 2023. 

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