biotech, art, and the third ear

This week’s module about the intersection of biotech and art has always been a controversial topic. The art world has always been fascinated by the latest technologies, but when it comes to incorporating biotechnology into the creative process, opinions are divided. Some argue that biotech art is not art at all, while others believe it is the future of artistic expression. According to Bowker and Star, "Dividing the world into arbitrarily bounded structures has social and economic consequences since each category decision lends authority to one point of view at the expense of another" (1999). This statement implies that the division between art and biotech may be arbitrary and not useful in the long run.

One of the most interesting artists related to this week's topic was Stelarc and his 3D implant. Stelarc is a performance artist who explores the limits of the human body and the relationship between humans and technology. The 3D implant is a small, artificial ear that has been implanted in Stelarc's forearm. The ear is connected to the internet, allowing people from all over the world to hear what Stelarc hears. This concept of transhumanism, or the merging of human and technological elements, is a recurring theme in Stelarc's work.

Oblique – A solo exhibition in Melbourne that featured photos of Stelarc’s Extra Ear Project

 

According to Levy, "A facial feature has been replicated, relocated and rewired elsewhere" (n.d.). Stelarc's 3D implant is an example of this concept. By implanting an artificial ear in his arm, he has created a new sensory organ that is not typically found in humans. This raises questions about the future of human evolution and whether we can enhance our bodies through technology.

Levy also notes that Stelarc "advertises himself as a living cyborg and bears numerous mechanical prosthetic devices along with biological implants" (n.d.). Stelarc's work challenges our traditional notions of what it means to be human. He believes that our bodies are not limited by biology and that we can use technology to transcend our physical limitations. 

In conclusion, the intersection of biotech and art is a complex and controversial topic. While some may argue that biotech art is not art at all, others believe that it is the future of artistic expression. Stelarc's 3D implant is a fascinating example of the merging of human and technological elements, and his work challenges our traditional notions of what it means to be human. As technology continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how artists incorporate it into their work and how it will change our understanding of the world around us.

 

References/Images: 

Levy, Ellen K. "Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classification." Leonardo, vol. 41, no. 1, Feb. 2008, pp. 96-97, doi: 10.1162/leon.2008.41.1.96.

Bowker, Geoffrey & Star, Susan. Sorting Things Out: Classification and its Consequences. MIT Press, 1999. https://hcommons.org/app/uploads/sites/1001532/2020/03/Bowker-1999-Sorting-Things-Out-Classification-and-Its-Consequences.pdf 

Kallergi, Amalia. "Bioart on Display- challenges and opportunities of exhibiting bioart." Leonardo, vol. 41, no. 1, Feb. 2008, pp. 24-29, doi: 10.1162/leon.2008.41.1.24.

STELARC. Ear on Arm. http://stelarc.org/?catID=20242. 

Labiotech.eu. "Stelarc -- Making Art out of the Human Body." February 23, 2023. https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/stelarc-ear-art-human-body/. 

Sellars, Nina. "Digital Image. Nina Sellars. Accessed 10 May 2023. http://www.ninasellars.com/dynimage/?id=8&w=450. 

Sellars, Nina. Digital Image. Nina Sellars. Accessed 10 May 2023. http://www.ninasellars.com/dynimage/?id=32&w=450. 

"Stelarc Third Ear 2011f." Digital Image. Wikimedia Commons, 6 June 2011. Accessed 10 May 2023. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stelarc#/media/File:Stelarc_3rd_ear_2011f.jpg.