ATongue_DESMA9 Biotech+ Art
Biotechnology in itself is a tool used for medical or scientific purposes. The intent behind its use however is what moves it from being merely a tool for science into a concept of art and/or destruction. Although it originated at the end of the 20th century, through the works of pioneers like Suzanne Anker, Joe Davis, and the artists hosted by Symbiotica,
BioArt is more widely practiced now. It is important when creating these new technologies for the advancement of science that we look at the impact on not only humans but the environment as well. Victimless Leather is an example of this.
By presenting a prototype of a lab-grown jacket, Victimless Leather explores the future consequences and potentials of using tissue engineering to develop consumer products. Considering all of the material waste involved, Victimless Leather problematizes the idea that lab-grown materials can ever lead to a truly ‘victimless utopia’. Lui in an article about her work with Biotechnology states: “I hope that [companies] consume these types of media and artworks so that they really think about the non-intended, secondary implications of these technologies,” she says. “It is my near and dear hope and dream that it will cause whoever views it—scientists and owners of big corporate technology institutions—to really think about what is happening.”
On the other hand, Besides being a versatile and expressive art medium, technology helps artists gain much-needed visibility and exposure for their works of art. Virtual technology brings masterpieces closer to the audience, helping us understand the artistic vision and its history to a broader public. The internet helped numerous artists make their artwork more visible, increasing accessibility to worldwide audiences. Advanced technology also enabled the artist to transform and manipulate their artwork, thus becoming a significant art medium.
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Fleerackers, Alice. “Works – Art's Work in the Age of Biotechnology.” Polyfield Magazine, 4 May 2022, https://artthescience.com/magazine/2020/01/07/works-arts-work-biotechnology/.
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