CUT/PASTE/GROW » book

The CUT/PASTE/GROW Catalogue

Wythe — Thu, 04 Sep 2014 03:08:51 +0000

A small, numbered run of show catalogues, designed by Karen Ingram and featuring three new essays by the curators, are now available. If you are interested in a catalogue, please email dgrushkin [at] genspace.org. Thanks again to all of our artists, Kickstarter supporters, and visitors!

What is Biodesign? What is Bioart?

Wythe — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 21:06:43 +0000

An illustrated lecture by writer William Myers at Observatory
Date: Friday, April 19
Time: 8 PM
Admission: $10 – copies of BioDesign will be available for purchase and signing

For centuries, artists and designers have looked to nature for inspiration and for materials, but only recently have they become able to incorporate living organisms or tissues into their work. This startling development at the intersection of biology and design has created new aesthetic possibilities and can help address the growing urgency to build and manufacture ecologically.

In this talk, William Myers, author of the new book BioDesign: Nature + Science + Creativity, will present several recent experiments in harnessing biology for art and design: from thoroughly serious and practical applications to provocative, gorgeous works of art. Highlights include a portrait of the human microbiome, a footbridge supported by willow trees, packaging made with mushrooms and a scheme to use bacteria to solidify sand dunes into walls in the desert.

A Q&A and book signing will follow the presentation.

This event is part of CUT/PASTE/GROW.

Frankenstein’s Cat: Cuddling Up to Biotech’s Brave New Beasts

Daniel Grushkin — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 18:38:55 +0000

An illustrated lecture by journalist Emily Anthes

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.