Stem Cells Meet Art: A Revolutionary Step

Stem cells are a particular type of cell that has the ability to develop into various types of cells. Muscle cells and brain cells are examples of these cells. Stem cells are utilized in the medical field in a process known as stem cell transplants, in which stem cells are used to repair damaged cells caused by chemotherapy and act as a means for the donor's immune system to combat cancer or blood-related disorders.

However, stem cells have been observed to range further than its use in the medical field. Stem cells have been used as an instrument to expand art from its limits. Stelarc, an Australian artist who legally changed his name from Stelios Arcadiou performed one of the most mind-blowing art forms known to man. He utilized his own stem cells in order to grow an extra pair of ears in his left arm through a series of operations.

According to Stelarc, it has taken him ten years to locate a surgeon who will agree to his goal of using stem cells as an art form. In 2006, a skin expander was implanted to create additional skin that could accommodate the ear. In 2007, a biocompatible implant designed to encourage cell growth was implanted, and a small microphone was placed within the ear. However, due to an infection, it had to be removed. The final operation will re-implant the microphone, which will be wirelessly connected to the Internet. The objective is to utilize it to listen in on what's occurring in other parts of the world.

Through the artist’s actions, this has raised many questions regarding the integration of stem cells and the limit of the human body. It is known that there is a controversy of using stem cells due to the process behind its production. For some, life begins with the birth of a child, but for others, it begins with the development of an embryo into a fetus. Others, however, think that human existence begins at conception, and that an embryo has the same moral standing and rights as a human child. Stem cells are obtained through the destruction of human embryos which proved to be an ethical concern. This raises the eyebrow of some as it begs them to ask the question: “How far can stem cells be used in art?”

Resources:

Clara Rodríguez Fernández. (2018, November 10). Stelarc -- Making Art out of the Human Body.

Labiotech.eu; Labiotech UG. https://www.labiotech.eu/trends-news/stelarc-ear-art-human-body/

Miller, A. I. (2015, February 11). What Happens When Stem Cell Science and Performance Art Collide? Getty Iris. https://blogs.getty.edu/iris/what-happens-when-stem-cell-science-and-performance-art-collide/

Railton, D. (2019, February 18). What are stem cells, and why are they important? Medicalnewstoday.com; Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/200904#ethical-issues

Stanford Medicine. (2019). Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. Stanfordchildrens.org. https://www.stanfordchildrens.org/en/topic/default?id=what-are-stem-cells-160-38