VASTAL, VivoArts School for Transgenic Aesthetics Ltd., is a temporary research and education institute of Adam Zaretsky and Waag Society. Zaretsky uses living organisms in his art: he lets bacteria dance to music and offered H.R.H. Prince Willem-Alexander a breeding facility for orange pheasants. His work is both scientific and theatrical and takes place on stage as well as in the public space. Zaretsky's work reflects on the impact of new technology on our society.
Life Sciences are seen as breakthrough technology. But as the research after and the use of, the genome - the code of life - for the medical, agricultural and military industries moves on, why not genomics for art?
Hardware, software and wetware (the genetic building blocks of living organisms) are combined in new applications that raise urgent questions about aesthetics and ethics, about usefulness and necessity, about the borders between life and death, between art and science.
VASTAL organizes several courses, lectures and performances during 2009. All courses, lectures and performances are in co-operation with Adam Zaretksy and other internationally acclaimed artists. The entrance is free for all events.