Bioart, the incorporation of gene modification into non-host animals for aesthetics, was originally created for research purposes. Because humans are changing the natural order of animals, genetically modified organisms (aka GMOs) have been the topic of debate for quite some time now. The purpose of experimenting with these animals is to better understand how biological systems work, and now in some cases, manipulate them in order to be aesthetically pleasing. One of the most common methods of mixing biology and art is through GFP, a glowing fluorescent protein gene that was originally found in jellyfish that now can be seen in many model organisms. The use of this technique is what some may consider the first step to creating the perfect organism, and a sci-fi vision of what could happen is summed up nicely in Steven Spielberg's Jurassic Park. In this movie, researchers recover dinosaur DNA from which they are able to revive animals that have been extinct for millions of years.
Dinosaurs from Jurassic Park http://www.vulture.com/2013/03/every-jurassic-park-dinosaur-from-best-to-worst.html
One of the main issues with the genetic manipulation of animals is the argument that treatment of these animals is inhumane. Animal activists view both scientists and artists as what Chris Kelty calls 'hackers', in a way outlaws of biology because they are causing suffering to animals for what they see as no good reason. While scientists claim their work as for the greater good, I have not seen or heard of benefits from bioart. That being said, I don't think that bioart should be treated the same way as research. Granted, people have the right to turn their own bodies into a medium for art. However, there is a line that should be drawn when using other cognitive beings to create art. I do not have the answers for where this argument should leave, although I think a good thing to consider is this quote from Jurassic Park: "Yeah, yeah, but your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could they didn't stop to think if they should."
References:
Kelty, Chris. "Meanings of Participation: Outlaw Biology?" UCLA. 10 May 2015
Levy, Ellen. "Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications." 10 May 2015
Bioart. Wikipedia. wikipeida.org. 27 March 2015. Web. 10 May 2015 <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BioArt>
"Why Animal Rights?" PETA. peta.org. Web. 10 May 2015. <http://www.peta.org/about-peta/why-peta/why-animal-rights/>
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