Biocapitalism and Culture

Synthetic Biology (SynBio) is an emerging technology that allows scientists to engage in extreme forms of genetic engineering. Rather than swapping existing genes from one species to another as in "traditional" genetic engineering, scientists can now write entirely new genetic code on a computer, "print" it out, and insert it into living organisms – or even create brand new forms of life. The SynBio industry is booming, with a projected market value of $11 billion by 2016, yet there has been virtually no regulation of the industry and little assessment by organizations such as the WHO of the potential risks associated with synthetic organisms. Artists and writers have filled this void by broaching key questions about the SynBio revolution: what ethical obligations does the creation of synthetic organisms entail? Will SynBio foster human liberation, as its boosters proclaim, or entrench existing forms of inequality and imperialism? Are there processes or institutions through which a global citizenry can challenge novel forms of biopower? This presentation examines recent literary and artistic works that engage with SynBio in order to gain critical perspective on – and a ground for activist intervention in - biocapitalism's brave new world.

Speaker: Ashley Dawson