Date: Friday, March 29
Time: 8 PM
Location: Observatory
Admission: $10 – copies of Frankenstein’s Cat will be available for purchase and signing

Biotechnology has given us a whole new toolbox for tinkering with life, and we have the power to modify animals in profound new ways. We are editing their genetic codes, rebuilding their broken bodies, and supplementing their natural senses. Scientists have already created all sorts of strange creatures, including a glow-in-the-dark cat, a bionic bulldog, and a remote-controlled cyborg beetle.

In this talk, journalist Emily Anthes, author of the new book Frankenstein’s Cat, takes us from petri dish to pet store as she explores how biotechnology is shaping the future of our furry and feathered friends. Though our new scientific superpowers often spur apocalyptic fantasizing, they could do more good for animals that they’re often given credit for.

Anthes will discuss how we can harness advances in genetics, neuroscience, and electronics to create healthier, happier, fitter critters. If we’re thoughtful and careful, we may just be able to use biotechnology to save animals—and ourselves.

A Q&A will follow the presentation.

This event is part of CUT/PASTE/GROW, a bioart exhibition hosted by Genspace and Observatory.

March 26, 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Location: Genspace
Talk, then Workshop
SPACES ARE LIMITED. SIGN UP HERE.

“[In] trying to understand systems that use relatively simple components to build higher-level intelligence, the slime mould may someday be seen as the equivalent of the finches and tortoises that Darwin observed on the Galápagos Islands” (Steven Johnson, Emergence 2001)

Join artist Heather Barnett to discover the fascinating role this single celled organism has to play in the culture of both science and art, and participate in a practical experiment to create the ideal creative environment for it to grow.

Physarum polycephalum is a small yellow microorganism that displays primitive intelligence, problem solving skills and memory. It is used as a model organism in many areas of research including emergence, adaptation and robotics. It also makes for a great creative collaborator: kept dark and damp and fed on a diet of porridge oats, it will grow in beautiful dendritic patterns whilst foraging for food.

ABOUT HEATHER BARNETT:

Heather Barnett is a visual artist, researcher and educator working with biological systems and scientific processes. With interests ranging across medicine, psychology, perception and visualisation, projects have included microbial portraiture, cellular wallpapers, performing cuttlefish and self-organising installations. She is a National Teaching Fellow and Senior Lecturer in Photographic Arts at the University of Westminster, London, UK, where she is project lead on the Broad Vision art/science research and learning programme. Heather is also Creative Director of the biologically inspired design company, micro-designs. http://www.heatherbarnett.co.uk

Reception: Saturday, March 23, 8 PM (@Observatory)
Celebrate the show’s opening with the curators and special guest artists. Wine, beer and cheese to be served.

Thank you to the science section of the New York Times for covering our gallery show.

Bioartists make art from genes, cells, tissues and even whole creatures. Although the field has courted controversy, this group exhibition, curated by Observatory and Genspace in Brooklyn, has a gentle sense of humor…

Have a look here.