In an era of fast-paced technological progress and with the impact of humans on the environment increasing, the concept of “nature” itself seems called into question. Bio Art explores the work of “bio artists,” those who work with living organisms and life processes to address the possibilities and dangers posed by biotechnological advancement.

A contextual introduction traces the roots of bio artistic practice, followed by four thematic chapters: Altering Nature, Experimental Identity and Mediums, Visualizing Scale and Scope, and Redefining Life. The chapters cover the key areas in which biotechnology has had an impact on today’s world, including ecology, biomedicine, designer genomes, and changing approaches to evolutionary theory, and include profiles of the work of sixty artists, collectives, and organizations from around the world. Interviews with eight leading bio artists and technologists provide deeper insight into the ideas and methods of this new breed of creative practitioners. 300 illustrations

WILLIAM MYERS is a writer, curator and teacher based in Amsterdam. His first book Biodesign (2012) identified the emerging practice of designers and architects integrating living processes in their work. It was published by The Museum of Modern Art in New York (MoMA) and Thames & Hudson in London. His new book Bio Art: Altered Realities profiles art that uses biology in new ways or responds to recent research in the life sciences that disrupts our sense of identity, nature and the definition of life. William's recent exhibitions include Matter of Life at the MU Gallery in Eindhoven, Biodesign in Rotterdam at the New Institute, and Cut/Paste/Grow at Proteus Gowanus in Brooklyn, New York.

Currently William mentors masters students at the Design Academy in Eindhoven and serves as the jury chairman for the Bio Art and Design Awards in the Netherlands, granting €75.000 each year to create new work. Previously he worked for the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), the Guggenheim Museum, the Smithsonian Cooper-Hewitt National Design Museum, Hunter College and The New Institute in Rotterdam (formerly NAi). He has delivered lectures at Harvard University, Centro Universitário Belas Artes de São Paulo, International University of Catalunya, Leiden University and Genspace, the first community biotech lab in the United States.

For nearly ten years William worked in brand management and communications for cultural institutions before transitioning to writing and curatorial work in 2010 by way of masters study at the School of Visual Arts in New York. His research interests include synthetic biology, interaction design, urban development and contemporary art. William was born in New York and is now a resident of the Netherlands.