"I believe that we are on the verge of a new mode of existence where we are no longer largely passive to our own genetic evolution, but active in its creation - just as we are implicitly becoming more active and interactive in the creation of the art and entertainment that we consume. As the work mutates according to our choices so will the being of its creation. The generation of mutants for a generation of mutants. The emergence of a new, widely accessible form of interactive art for the emergence of a new form of human being.
What dangers and what wonders will we have when we are able to fully control such work - whether it be our own genetic disposition, or a piece of cinema or theatre? When the brain becomes another interface, what will we create? Mother Nature or Our Father may have made us what we are but we can now remake ourselves into who we want to be. Creation turned re-creation. But who do we want to be? Will we fight to preserve certain human 'weaknesses' - the ability to feel pain, to lie, to forget, to make mistakes etc -because within them lies our possible humanity? Or will we replace them with better cyborg alternatives? Is the perfect being, the perfect goal to strive for? Are we prepared to face the reality of what emerges? If, in this age, science moves faster than ethics, then perhaps art, ducking and weaving, should stay one step ahead of them both.
And what if these modes of creation are taken out of the personal and private spheres and made public- given to governments, committees, diverse audiences? How will group mentality affect the results? Will we behave like cloned sheep- a room full of Dollys? A theatre full of bio-illogical parents? How will the audience interact not only with the work and with their own 'creation', but with each other?"
MB 2005
