Week 6 Blog: BioArt

The topic of biotechnology and art is exquisite as they essentially incorporate science experiments to create art. For example, in our lecture, we learned about Joe Davis and the insertion of an illumination gene from jellyfish into bunnies, creating illuminating bunnies (Vesna). These types of science experiments have led to the ongoing debate about the ethics regarding using animals in experiments. These ethical issues have become increasingly prominent in regards to human research as well (Arnason 2020).

Fig. 1: Glow in the dark bunnies bred for science research.

I believe that there should be more restrictions for artists using biotechnology for art than for scientists in the industry. For one, the creativity of artists may result in an explosion of ideas that could lead to new life that could become excessive and make sci-fi movies come true (Jagodzinski 2020). Restrictions could also increase creativity for artists (Perry), which would benefit the artists and can explore other ways of expressing art in a more humane way. 

Fig. 2: Creativity with limitations

Although this issue is much more complicated, bioart is ridiculously interesting. Take Joe Davis’ Microvenus as an example, he used the letters “Y” and “I” as a symbolism for women and life to genetically engineer different genes (Reder). It is certainly fascinating seeing how biotechnology can collaborate with art to create prolific ideas.

Fig. 3: Joe Davis with his ‘Microvenus’ project


Works Cited

Arnason, Gardar. “The Emergence and Development of Animal Research Ethics: A Review with a Focus on Nonhuman Primates.” Science and engineering ethics vol. 26,4 (2020): 2277-2293. doi:10.1007/s11948-020-00219-z

Jagodzinski, Jan. “Thinking ‘The End of Times’: The Significance of Bioart|BioArt for Art|Education.” Pedagogical Explorations in a Posthuman Age: Essays on Designer Capitalism, Eco-Aestheticism, and Visual and Popular Culture as West-East Meet 271–291. 5 May. 2020, doi:10.1007/978-3-030-48618-1_11

Perry, Philip. “Why Imposing Restrictions Can Actually Boost Creativity.” Big Think, 19 Apr. 2022, bigthink.com/mind-brain/why-imposing-restrictions-can-actually-boost-creativity.

Reder, Kimo. Joe Davis’ “Microvenus” as Molecular Muse  | Jacket2. jacket2.org/commentary/joe-davis-microvenus-molecular-muse.

Vesna, Victoria. “5 bioart pt1”

Image Citations

ABC News. “Scientists Breed Rabbits With an ‘Eary’ Glow.” ABC News, 13 Aug. 2013, abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2013/08/13/scientists-breed-rabbits-with-an-eary-glow.

SmallBusinessify.com. “How to Improve Creativity Skills.” SmallBusinessify.com, 27 July 2022, smallbusinessify.com/how-to-improve-creativity-skills.

5: Bioart | Light Matters. www.joostrekveld.net/?page_id=2029.


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