Abstract

Bioart emerges as a response to worrying changes in living forms produced by genetic engineering. Indeed, bioartists focus their attention on artistic exploration of biotechnologies and related ethical issues. Their main goal was to inform the public about dangerous genetic engineering techniques, like cloning, inter- and intraspecies experiments, reproductive technologies, genotype and phenotype reprogramming, hybridization techniques, and many others. The paradox lies in the fact that bioartists, in collaboration with scientists, use the same abovementioned techniques and create in laboratory unique living beings with original aesthetic aspects. The use of living organisms for creative or recreational purposes inevitably causes serious cultural and bioethical debates. In this context emerges the concept of contingency linked with living forms, biotech art, and aesthetic experience.