This project directly intervenes in a living organism's development to create a living artwork. It questions the boundaries between natural and artificial, challenging our understanding of what constitutes "nature" and raising ethical questions about manipulating living beings for aesthetic purposes.
Born: 1975, Lisbon, Portugal
Nationality: Portuguese
Style: Bio Art
Influences: Biology, genetics, ethics
Major Exhibitions: "Nature?" (1999-2000), "NucleArt" (2002), "The Origin of Species" (2008)
Quote: "I'm interested in the ethical and philosophical implications of biotechnology."
Website: http://martademenezes.com/
Nature? involves modifying the wing patterns of living butterflies. De Menezes uses micro-cautery on butterfly pupae to alter the development of the wings, creating unique, non-natural designs. The butterflies live out their normal lifespan.
