BioTech and Art

BioArt is a new word for me. As Professor mentioned in her lecture, there are some debates about how people define BioArt. I recognize the different viewpoints from different artists in defining this concept. As to me, BioArt encompasses a combination of technology, nature and art.

In the lectures, Professor Vesna introduced a lot of artists who work with biologists or geneticists, including Kathy High and Orlan. To be honest, I feel really shocked about how their imagination connected biology to art to the point that their work intimidates me.

I am interested in Edward Steichen and his exhibition. I have heard of Steichen for several years because I saw some posters from him while he worked for the fashion magazine <Vogue>. However, this is the first time for me to learn that he is also a horticulturalist. Then I did some research regarding his work. In 1936, Steichen exhibited a flower show in the Museum of Modern Art Archives. The exhibition was called Edward Steichen’s Delphiniums. Steichen applied Colcichine, a chemical mutagen, to induce chromosome doubling and thus produce unusually tall delphiniums. The show was considered the first intersection between genetic modification and art.

Another example I want to mention is molecular gastronomy. Cuisine is one of the most unique of all art forms. Molecular gastronomy is a relatively new term. It describes the art of selecting, preparing, serving and enjoying fine food. For instance, through molecular mixology, ingredients appear in forms such as caviar, jelly, foam, and even air. It certainly is extraordinary but surprisingly some of these techniques are relatively simple. It is the knowledge that allows us to transform food to another physical state. Gastronomy also utilizes scientific elements in the art of cooking, thus producing the perfect hybrid of Biotechnology and art.

Citations:

BioArt. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. <http://www.faseb.org/About-FASEB/Scientific-Contests/BioArt.aspx>.

Vesna, Victoria, prod. BioArt Part V. Film. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z7zHIdsFS3A>.

Delphiniums. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. <http://www.gardendesign.com/ideas/art-botany-edward-steichens-delphiniums>.

"Edward Steichen’s 1936 Exhibition of Delphinium Blooms: An Art of Flower Breeding ." n. page. Web. <http://www.tylersfox.com/blog/?p=243>.

Molecular Cuisine Gastronomy. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. <http://www.aboutweirds.com/2013/04/modernist-molecular-cuisine-gastronomy.html>.

"Tom Parker Bowles takes us on a tour of the best restaurant in the world." n. page. Web. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1083068/El-Bulli-Tom-Parker-Bowles-takes-tour-best-restaurant-world.html>.