Bio art is an emerging field that examines changes wrought by genetic engineering, environmental degradation, and digital technologies. “Bio Art: Altered Realities” (Thames & Hudson) by William Myers is a survey of intriguing works by more than 60 contemporary artists. Julian Voss-Andreae creates steel structures resembling three peptides — the backbones of proteins — making it possible to “touch” the folds of a protein. While many of the works are beautiful, more than a few are disquieting. In sculpting a bird with an unbreakable beak, Vincent Fournier raises questions about redesigning species. Rachel Sussman, who has photographed trees and other organisms that are more than 2,000 years old, returns to document their decay.
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