BioArt introduces the connection between art and science through genetics and the inner workings of our physiology, aka the human body. The study of the human genome developed alongside the work of artists for bioart and genetic and tissue 
BioArt
The practice of BioArt also seeps into elements of “playing god.” For instance, the concept of “Designer Babies” has become an avid topic of interest and even concern as of late. Through scientific advances, genome modification or genetically modifying genes can essentially design your baby - from their physical genomes to their inherent genetic capabilities. CRISPR-Cas9, a gene editing tool, introduced this possibility and this new form of BioArt that intermingles with eugenics.
Formerly, methods of BioArt were used to eliminate genes that impose genetic disorders like cystic fibrosis. Thus, this new prospect of medical intervention purely for “enhancement” purposes prior to birth does not come without extreme criticism. As such, these ethical concerns go beyond “playing god” and further take into account the economic and socio economic plight that will emerge between classes, such as who will and won’t be exposed to this up and coming technology.
“Designer Babies”
In a similar realm, BioArt has also delved into cloning genetic makeup. In the late 90’s, Dolly the Sheep was conceived in a test tube, making Dolly genetically identical to her donor. However, Dolly developed health defects and conditions which resulted in her euthanization.
Ultimately, this resulted in ethical concerns as well.
“Dolly the Sheep”
Lastly, I was most influenced this week by the lecture content since it provided an idea of what direction I could compose my blog post.
References:
8 Total (3 Images + 5 Sources)
Ball, P. (2017, January 8). Designer babies: An ethical horror waiting to happen? The Guardian. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.theguardian.com/science/2017/jan/08/designer-babies-ethical-horror-waiting-to-happen
Begley, S. (2016). It’s been 20 years since Dolly. Where’s my clone? STAT. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.statnews.com/2016/07/05/dolly-cloning-sheep-anniversary/.
Klein, J. (2016, July 26). Dolly the sheep's fellow clones, enjoying their golden years. The New York Times. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.nytimes.com/2016/07/27/science/dolly-the-sheep-clones.html
Malli, P. (2018). "Designer Babies". “Designer Babies” and Society. ANTH374S18. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://medium.com/anth374s18/designer-babies-and-society-2e0866b7fdcf.
Nacke, L. (n.d.). BioArt. FASEB. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://www.faseb.org/partnerships-and-outreach/bioart.
Regine. (2018, October 15).
Genetically modified generation (designer babies). We Make Money Not Art. Retrieved May 6, 2022, from https://we-make-money-not-art.com/genetically-modified-generation-designer-babies/
Vesna, V. (2022, May). 5 BioArt pt 2. DESMA 9. Los Angeles; Youtube.com.
Vesna, V. (2022, May). 5 BioArt pt3. DESMA 9. Los Angeles; Youtube.com
Hello! I thoroughly enjoyed your post, as I also thought about the concerns that come too close with "playing God". In fact, I took biomedical ethics during my freshman year, and designer babies were included in that syllabus. It will be interesting to see if any ethical laws are passed concerning bioarts and genetics in the following years, especially since bioarts are not technically in the medical care category.
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