Presenters:   Elio Caccavale   Dawn Danby   Olaf Dreyer   Juan Geuer   Rob Godman   John Hatch   Kenneth A. Huff   Mantissa   Miroslav Lovric   Sally McKay   Eric Raymond   S. David Rosner   Mariano Sardón   Frederic P. Schuller   Krister Shalm   Lydia Sharman &   Stephen Morris   Donald Spector   Joseph Thywissen   Marion Tränkle   Koala Yip Symposium Utility Pets - Science, Art and Hypothetical Products by Elio Caccavale University of The Arts London, Central St Martins http://www.eliocaccavale.com This presentation will explore how artists might participate in the scientific debate and in which areas science and art overlap. The specific science addressed in the Utility Pets project is xenotransplantation (inter-species transplant). Transgenic genetically modified pigs are used in xenotransplantation. The goal is too create a living production line of partially humanised pig organs to use as spare parts for the human body. Emotional and material considerations are important in our relationship with animals, just as they are with people. However, sometimes these consideration provoke conflict. The wired and wonderful ways in which human beings have sought to resolve such conflict provide the central theme of the Utility Pets project. Perhaps the medium of art can offer a platform that lies somewhere between reality and fiction where we can freely discuss how we were, how we are and how we will be. In other words, the project wants to explore biofutures before they happen and stimulate the public to develop an understanding that enables them to deal, not only with applications of biotechnology, but with the social development of biotechnological knowledge. The narrative process provides a context for thinking about the complex array of biotechnology that might affect our lives. Starting with a series of "What if" stories, each with a different name, the process gives the public a common language for talking about biotechnology. It then encourages the public to think about each story as if it had already come to pass. "Suppose that your life could be saved by a pig, what would happen to you and the pig?" Biography: Elio Caccavale is a designer and artist who uses hypothetical products and social fiction scenarios to engage people's imaginations in the debate about the emerging technologies and the effects that they might have on life in the future. He is associate lecturer at University of The Arts London, Central St Martins and he is also technical studies tutor at the Architectural Association. He exhibits in diverse settings: galleries, museum, art festivals and universities. He collaborates with scientists, social scientists, educationalists and bioethicists in the development of research projects. Elio will exhibit in an international show titled "Pop Noir" at The Israel Museum Jerusalem in September 2005. Elio recently won the Wellcome Trust Sciart Research and Development Award.   Page Top Copyright © 2004 Subtle Technologies Festival