Artists have begun to use transgenics, producing and organism or cell of one organism into which one or more genes of another species have been incorporated, to change our perception of the human body from a naturally self regulated system to and artificially and electronically controlled one. Changing the genetics of an organism allows the artists to create something new. Transgenics is very controversial when it is used on animals. The artist often times harms the animal and only sees it as its work of art. An example of this is Eduardo Kacs fluorescent rabbit called Alba. Pac inserted genes from a fluorescent jellyfish into an albino rabbit. Albas lifespan was in question after the experiment.
There are many ethical implications when it comes to biotechnology and art which is why I think the restrictions should be more stringent for artists using biotechnology. Artists should not be allowed to modify the genes in animals because often times the animals end up being harmed. There should not be limits to human creativity, but using animals for art work should be restricted.
Sources
“Impacts of Genetically Modified Animals on the Ecosystem and Human Activities.” Taylor & Francis, www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/11287462.2014.894709.
Levy, Ellen K. “Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications.” Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications.
TRANSGENIC ART by Eduardo Kac, www.ekac.org/transgenic.html.
“Transgenic Bunny by Eduardo Kac.” GNN - Genome News Network, www.genomenewsnetwork.org/articles/03_02/bunny_art.shtml.
Venter, Craig. “Watch Me Unveil ‘Synthetic Life.’” TED, www.ted.com/talks/craig_venter_unveils_synthetic_life.
Skylar,
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed reading your blog and believe you brought up some very interesting points. For example, in the beginning you talk about different artists and their approach to biotechnology. I think it is important to acknowledge these as every artist is unique and has their own ways. I like how you include your own perspective on this very controversial topic and agree with what you had to say.
Hi Skylar,
ReplyDeleteI find it very thoughtful and caring how you mentioned that the lifespan of these transgenic animals are often in question are artists modify their genes for the sake of art. I agree that it is controversial to potentially harm animals or decrease their expected lifespan just for them to be more interesting to humans.
Hey Skylar,
ReplyDeleteReally interesting post for this week! While researchers use animals for new medical discoveries, I am against the idea of using animals as a medium of expressing one's creativity or justifying that this is to help build a bridge between the sciences and arts, as what Eduardo Kac did. As we have already witnessed from previous weeks, this bridge is already there. I totally agree that artists (for the purpose of creating art) are coming into labs and modifying genes, which just ends up harming the health of animals even further. I was actually listening to a very interesting interview with a doctor on the emotional and behavioral aspects of animals. I have to agree with persuasive evidence that animals share the same emotions as we do, so knowing that there are researchers that take into consideration the emotions of animals in their studies is wonderful to hear. This specific doctor found that a rat's behavior changes significantly from being tickled rather than being petted. Another fascinating point to hear was that picking up rats by their whole body, rather than by their tails to avoid being bitten, puts them in a less stressful position and helps improve lab results.