Telepresence and Transgenic Art

Abstract

Telepresence and Transgenic Art is an exploration of issues surrounding, on the one hand, the coupling of telematic networks with robotics and biology, and on the other, the exploration of genetic engineering, as an art medium. The integration between telepresence and genetic engineering is also investigated. The discussion is carried out in light of a series of artworks created by the author between 1998 and 2001: Teleporting An Unknown State-Web version (1998), Uirapuru (1999), Genesis (1999), GFP Bunny (2000), and The Eighth Day (2001). The key concept uniting all works is the investigation, in art, of new modes of communication based on unconventional operations of existing media, systems, and processes. Particular emphasis is given to the author's transformation of monologic systems of production into dialogic forms of experience. All works result from extensive technical, historical, and creative research.The first section presents comprehensive research in the history and theory of the artistic use of elecommunications media, from the beginning of the twentieth century to the Internet. This section also introduces concepts of dialogism in art.The second section focuses on issues relevant to Telepresence, such as teleoperation in real time, and includes a conceptual and practical discussion of Teleporting An Unknown State-Web version and Uirapuru. The third section focuses on the cultural impact of biotechnology and includes an exegesis of Genesis, GFP Bunny, and The Eighth Day