The exploration of biotechnology in art is quite controversial in my mind. Certain forms of art created through biotechnology may bring up questions about ethics while other "art" using biotechnology may not be as scrutinized. For an example, Joe Davis work on Microvenus is so heavily controversial that no museum is willing to display it. Davis worked with microbiologists to alter bacterial DNA in order to send human life into space (Vesna, pt. 1). The manipulation of genetics is at issue because of how progressive we have become in the modern era. Most people believe that animals should not be hurt in the process of scientific discovery.
However, for plants we are more inclined to turn a blind eye. We often participate in buying genetically modified foods or plants. In the article Weird Science: Biotechnology as an Art Form, artist George Gessert mentions, "Any time you go to a flower shop and buy a bunch of flowers for a friend, you are participating in a process selection. If you get the blue irises and not the purple irises, it has an economic ripple in the greenhouse or on the field... (ARTnews).
However, for plants we are more inclined to turn a blind eye. We often participate in buying genetically modified foods or plants. In the article Weird Science: Biotechnology as an Art Form, artist George Gessert mentions, "Any time you go to a flower shop and buy a bunch of flowers for a friend, you are participating in a process selection. If you get the blue irises and not the purple irises, it has an economic ripple in the greenhouse or on the field... (ARTnews).
From my perspective, genetically modifying anything is a bit weird. The thought of mutations developing within an animal or living cells grosses me out. It's not natural and I fear that the exploration of biotechnology may lead to dangerous or harmful uses of science.
Citations:
"Explaining The Difference Between Genetically Modified Organisms And Genetically Engineered Food." . News. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.
"Microvenus: Joe Davis : Genetics and Culture." Microvenus: Joe Davis : Genetics and Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.
"National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences." What Is Ethics in Research & Why Is It Important? N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.
Vesna, Victoria. "Unit 7." DESMA 9. United States, Los Angeles. 10 May 2015. Lecture.
"Weird Science: Biotechnology as Art Form." ARTnews. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.
I agree with you that the issues toward manipulation of genetics become less controversial when it comes to plants which we do not consume as food. When it comes to flowers, I do not think many people pay attention to whether or not the flower is genetically manipulated. Also we are so used to seeing the wide variety of flowers and there is a great chance that we do not even know the natural colors for the certain flowers. It makes me think if we really need to create blue irises when purple irises are already beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI like how you bring up the fact that simply buying flowers is an act partaking in the selection process because it shows that everyone is playing a part in that even if you might not realize it. Also, I think that it is a very controversial and strange topic to discuss and think about as well. Genetic modifications is definitely a difficult subject to grasp, and I think that it will always be an issue that we will struggle with to justify as good or wrong.
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