Week 6 Blog - Au Vo

Au Vo

DESMA 9

Dr. Vesna

11 May 2024

Week 6 Blog: Biotechnology and Art

This week’s topic is extremely relevant and fascinating to me as I do research in a biomedical laboratory where I focus on cancer immunotherapy. At first, it might be a little hard to see the applications of biotechnology in art—I know it took me a while to see the connection. After all, art and biotechnology are on opposing sides. Art typically stimulates the right side of our brain, while biotechnology and other sciences stimulates the left side of the brain. Even at UCLA, we can see this separation between art and science with North Campus housing the humanities and South Campus hosting the sciences.

However, over the past decade, artists and scientists alike have pushed the boundaries between these two disparate fields. Their innovation and boldness have led to a new sub-category of art known as BioArt. An example of this genre is shown below.

GFP Bunny

The rise of BioArt has led to a number of questions surrounding the ethics of it: What is the meaning inherent in the use of transgenics, mutilation, mutation, recombination or selective breeding as an artistic technique? Is there a need for separate standards for artists creating or manipulating living organisms and semi-living systems?

In my opinion, these questions are all valid and should be encouraged. Biotechnology and art are linked by one common thread: each field explores the unknown. Although “those cells used in the art are living, even if the object itself is not full of life,” they are necessary to properly convey the meaning of the art piece ( Miranda). Art has long been utilized to showcase expression and emotions. So why not utilize a canvas that can best serve as a medium for living emotions–living things themselves.

For example, in Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes or the rest of the franchise, scientists and artists are exploring their interests. One side is looking at the biotechnology side with the ALZ-112 and potential cures for Alzheimer. On the other hand, artists and the film crew explore the creative side of moviemaking.