Bioart

[Windwalker]

A couple of friends, including Larry, sent me interesting links to bioart, which can be both provocative and thought-provoking.

This is a general sideshow: http://www.slate.com/id/2168469/fr/flyout

This is the Genpets (TM) site: http://www.genpets.com/meet.php

And here are two that fooled transhumanists who were not biologists:
http://www.humanupgrades.com/
http://www.rythospital.com/

[Marie]

Well, I followed the links you suggested and for a non-biologist, this review was an eye-opener. I will not go into the scientific details because I will sound like an ignorant boob. However, the concept of Bioart using DNA technology, tissue engineering and other odd gizmos is an education for the novice observer. The creations of Joe Davis, Eduardo Kac, Katts & Zurr, and Natalie Jeremijenko were truly ingenious. But, as I came upon the invention of the Genpets by Adam Brandejs I had to grimace. When I am searching for a “pet” it is not something that looks like a humanoid elf. Although, the concept is extraordinary and lifelike, this caricature of a childlike miniature is somewhat tasteless in my estimation.
Finally, the reviews of Human Upgrades and Rythospital absolutely gave me the gooseflesh. These two places smack too much like the film “The Island” especially the “recovery center” with its blue waters and forest-like surroundings. Even Ewan McGregor couldn’t get me to go there no matter how tempting.

Regardless of my thoughts on the amazing merging of science and art, this is bold idea that should be nurtured and expanded. But I still have my reservations about Human Upgrades. I don’t think I am really ready for that yet.

Thanks guys for sharing! It was an experience worth the read.

Marie

[Windwalker]

Although, the concept is extraordinary and lifelike, this caricature of a childlike miniature is somewhat tasteless in my estimation.
Finally, the reviews of Human Upgrades and Rythospital absolutely gave me the gooseflesh.

That is the idea: to make us think of the ramifications of biotech at a visceral level, rather than as intellectual constructs. With transhumanism being much in vogue (particularly in SF), such sites give a taste of what kinds of Humanity 2.0 might emerge, depending on the technology used.

[intrigued_scribe]

The web pages and reviews here are indeed thought-provoking eye openers, to say the least. I also viewed the Bioart creations as interesting and inventive, an extraordinary way to bring the realms of science and art together. As far as the Genpets, Human Upgrades, and Rythospital are concerned, I found them somewhat disturbing, particularly the latter two. In agreement with Marie, the "recovery center" is too reminiscent of The Island for comfort, and most of the radical bodily modifications--both surgical and genetic--carry the sense of something that's done (and perhaps taken too far) simply because it can be, not because it should be.

In spite my own reservations, I too, think the Bioart can certainly be expanded upon to even greater potential. Thanks for sharing these links, all!

Heather