“Me_Eat Jack: Bio-Art and the Ethics of Meat Consumption” presented by Yang and Ribeiro
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This paper explores the technoetic aesthetics of ‘moistmedia’ in the context of contemporary bio-art as pertinent media for prompting contemplation on the environmental ramifications of meat consumption and the potential role of lab-produced meat as a sustainable solution. The artist, a 3rd-year undergraduate student from Roy Ascott Advanced Program in Technoetic Arts in Shanghai, initiates a thought-provoking exploration by cultivating lab mice cells in Petri dishes in collaboration with a team of scientists of the Shanghai Jiao Tong University College of Basic Medical Sciences, as part of a performance in which he simulated the sampling of his bone marrow, subsequently packing the mice cultivated cells like meat products, symbolizing the intimate connection between humans and the animals we consume. The culmination of this artistic endeavor presents these cells’ culture as a tangible product on supermarket shelves, challenging societal norms. This experience aims to elicit an emotional response, fostering a profound understanding of the shared impact of meat consumption among all animal species. By integrating lab procedures and technology, and bio art strategies, this exploration invites the audience to confront the ethical and ecological dimensions of their dietary choices. The synthesis of science, art, and public engagement positions this project as a catalyst for discussions surrounding the urgency of sustainable alternatives, such as lab-grown meat, in mitigating the environmental consequences of traditional meat production.
