Steve Kurtz

Over the break, I had the chance to see this documentary, Strange Culture, about the bioartist Steve Kurtz.  In 2004 Kurtz was arrested on counts of bioterrorism, after police were called to his house (his wife died in her sleep) and they found petri dishes containing biological specimens, used in his work.  His artist collective was known for creating genetically altered foods.  Fortunately, a grand jury turned down the bioterrorism charges, but Kurtz did end up being accused of mail and wire fraud, although the indictment was later dropped.  I thought it was really interesting.  His work really questions the traditional role of art, so it is understandable that the police, and FBI, did not really get this.  It just goes to show how so much contemporary art is really not accessible to the average American.