Event 3: Hammer Museum

I went to the Hammer Museum on Saturday June 3rd and viewed "The Desert People" gallery. The gallery consisted of digital aspects that correlates greatly with the main focus of the class. For example, its centerpiece was a 16mm film that has been transferred to DVD. This experience consisted of creativity and science working together to create a film. Artists such as David Lamelas lead the way for modern day design and media arts concepts because of his unique way of viewing the world. 

        This film and the artwork overall represents the experience of a group of people who travel to a reservation located in the south eastern United States and depicts their story through artistic aspects yet at the same time uses the addition of seemingly random scenes to portray a sense of parallel of the disorientation and bewilderment of people traveling. One of the main ideas of the film is to call attention to the subjective nature of both truth and meaning. Lamelas does this by the adding in the seemingly random scenes and interviews to the film to where the film doesn't seem to flow anymore. 

       Overall, the technological use of structuring the film so it tells a story both through the images while simultaneously telling a story through its structure encompasses the focus of DESMA 9 and how there are many different aspects involved in all different types of artwork.

Event 2: Griffith Observatory

         I have visited the Griffith Observatory once when I was younger, but going back and looking around now, it is astonishing to see all the scientific innovations we have created. When I was younger, it was interesting to see all the stars and exhibits, but now that I have a further understanding, I can fully acknowledge and appreciate the collaboration needed in order to create an exhibit such as these. 
        One of my favorite exhibits in the observatory is the Samuel Oschin Planetarium. This exhibit has a significant amount of scientific innovations such as the Star Projector, the Laser Projection System and the Dome. These inventions display the collaboration of creativity in order to innovate diagrams that reinvent such enormous concepts for all humans to break down and understand certain aspects of life more easily and more in depth. Another exhibit that is fascinating to me is the Gunther Depth of Space. In this exhibit, you are now able to see through computers what you would see when looking through a telescope looking into space. What you were once not able to see with your naked eye, you are now able to see and learn about more in depth through the combination of the arts and scientific aspects. 
       This exhibit contains a statue of Albert Einstein, a theoretical physicist well known for his discovery of the theory of relativity. I chose to take a picture by this statue because I find Albert Einsteins recognition very important to the scientific world. He was able to start something that lead into the making of the organization and observatory. The Griffith Observatory is a great example to represent how art and science evolved together.

My picture with the statue of Albert Einstein 

Week 9: Space + Art

This week’s topic of space and art was a great way to sum up all the topics within this class. The studies of our universe and the attempts to explore it have in some way incorporated all the other topics we have covered. As said by professor Vesna, “we are using nanotechnology in space and biotechnology and mathematics and robots and this is where it all comes together”.

http://guardianlv.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/Space-Industries.png

Scientists have discovered many ways to explore the universe and it has very much so influenced the art world. For example, The Dancing on the Ceiling: Art and Zero Gravity exhibition is a broad exploration of two primary themes of transcendence and zero gravity. This exhibition also goes on to explore the fact that people have attempted to defy gravity, but can never completely escape.

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I personally am not a fan of math, but the Powers of Ten video was very interesting to me. Seeing how the video could be zoomed out to beyond where you could imagine while keeping the same central focus point was pretty amazing. It’s very interesting to think that one math equation can be used in such a unique and effective way. 

https://engagetheirminds.files.wordpress.com/2014/09/powers_of_ten.jpg

Sources:

https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/484297/pages/unit-9-view?module_item_id=8599423

(Lectures by Professor Vesna)

"Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity Curated by Kathleen Forde : EMPAC Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center : Troy, NY USA." Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity Curated by Kathleen Forde : EMPAC Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center : Troy, NY USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 May 2016.

"POWERS OF TEN AND THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THINGS IN THE UNIVERSE | Eames Office." Eames Office. N.p., 09 Oct. 2013. Web. 30 May 2016.

History.com Staff. "The Space Race." History.com. A&E Television Networks, 01 Jan. 2010. Web. 30 May 2016.

"Dancing on the Ceiling." Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). N.p., 23 Jan. 2013. Web. 30 May 2016.

Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

In this week’s lecture, I realized how large of an impact nanotechnology has on the artistic world and vice versa. Nanotechnology is a branch of science that deals with the alteration of individual atoms and molecules as well as entail the capability to see and control single atoms and molecules. The statement by Professor Vesna, “nanotechnology is what is going to push us over the edge into the 21^st century”, explains how advanced nanotechnology really is because it contains the potential to affect almost every type of technology in existence today. 

http://www.photonetc.com/api/images/542af39b10b9c8530f00003e?maxWidth=1920

https://crash.curtin.edu.au/local/images/nanoessence/2nanoessence.jpg

A prime example of how nanotechnology and art have collided is Nano-essence by Paul Thomas and Kevin Raxworthy.  This project aims to build a physical experience to look at the scientific and metaphysical world. Nano-essence is an interactive audio-visual installation where the viewer interacts with the presentation with their own breath. Another example that shows the collision of art and nanotechnology would be the Transjuicer by Boo Chapple. The Transjuicer is an audio speaker that is developed out of bones. The making of his project involved working with the piezoelectric nature of the bone to cause the bone to vibrate in a certain way to create audible sounds. Boo Chapple was motivated by artistic desires to witness what occurs beyond our human capacity and to effectively experience things at the human scale.

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There are many benefits of nanotechnology, but there is also some downfalls to society. Nanotechnology is very expensive to purchase as well as to produce. This type of technology needs to be produced by experts, researchers and scientists in order to confirm that the technology is handled correctly, because although this advanced and powerful technology could provide great advancements to society, there are concerns of the issues that could possibly arise from this new force. However, with the proper production and use of nanotechnology, society could experience numerous improvements.  

Sources:

 "What Is Nanotechnology?" Nano. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2016

Vesna, Professor. "ONLINE COURSE LOGIN." Course Login. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2016 (Lectures)

"Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." Art.Base. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2016.

"2010 Nanoessence." Visiblespace. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2016.

"Nanotechnology Spotlights." Nanotechnology and Emerging Technologies. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2016.

Neuroscience + Art

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Neuroscience has made significant advances within the modern day medical field. This science is the study of life and deals with anatomy, physiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology of nerves and nervous tissues within relation to behavior and learning. With the invention of the microscope and the discovery of electricity, it was possible to understand where the brain begins. The brain is not only one of the most important organs, but the most advanced organ in the human body and is responsible for controlling your central nervous system such as your conscious and unconscious thoughts.

https://machinatorium.files.wordpress.com/2012/08/phreno_01.jpg

Franz Joseph Gall created the study of the shape of the skull as a supposed indication of character and mental abilities, also known as phrenology. Gall was also the first person to discover grey matter of the brain with active tissue neurons and white matter with conductive tissue ganglia. Another major contributor to the study of neuroscience would be Ramon y Cajal. He is the founder of neuroanatomy. Not only is he the founder neuroanatomy, but a legend with his medical artistry.

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Another interesting aspect under this topic would be the concept of dreams. We have a significant amount of research about our unconscious mind and dreams, but there is still so much left as a mystery. Simply remembering and being able to interpret your dreams can be considered art. Sigmund Freud was one of the first to divide the mind into the conscious mind and the unconscious mind. Freud believes that dreams provide valuable clues to how the unconscious mind works.

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The process of different sections of the brain combining to make a whole is art within itself by combining different elements to result in a working organism, but the idea of neuroscience delves deeper into the subject of art because humans can actually create art through our dreams. In our sleep, our mind creates vivid images consisting of colors and movement that can be random and abstract or have a specific story line. 

Sources:

https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/484297/pages/unit-7-view?module_item_id=8599411

(Lectures I, II, and III by Victoria Vesna)

Merriam-Webster. Merriam-Webster, n.d. Web. 10 May 2016.

"Franz Joseph Gall : Founder of Phrenology." Franz Joseph Gall : Founder of Phrenology. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016

"Life and Discoveries of Santiago Ramón Y Cajal." Life and Discoveries of Santiago Ramón Y Cajal. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016.

"Dream Moods: Dream Theories: Sigmund Freud." Dream Moods: Dream Theories: Sigmund Freud. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016.

"THE POWER OF SURRENDER." The Art of Remembering and Interpreting Dreams. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2016.

Biotechnology + Art

This week’s topic of biotechnology and art was very interesting to learn about. It is astonishing how biotechnology is used within art and how people use and work with living organisms such as bacteria and life processes when creating art work. Biotechnology and art is one of the most controversial topics we have covered so far because of the GMO’s in our food, experimentation with animals and creating hybrids between species, which has opposing views in our society.

http://www.artnexus.com/images/content/issue69/u0009955big.jpg

For example, Eduardo Kac created a new art form called transgenic art. This art is based on the use of genetic engineering to transfer natural or synthetic genes to an organism, and to create living beings. Eduardo is an example as he created a “green fluorescent protein (GFP) Bunny” named Alba. Another example with someone using a living organism and transgenic art would be Kathy High in her experiment Embracing Animal. In her experiment, she used three transgenic lab rats and microinjected them with human DNA, allowing them to share our human genes. She used these rats to look at people’s attitudes towards them not only as pets, but as friends.  

http://kathyhigh.com/pix/embracing2/13.jpg

Along with animals, gene modification with food is very common and has been occurring for years. Genetic modifications of food such as color, shape, size and economic factors have made food, in some ways, confusing. According Seed Magazine, the foods you eat often affect how your neurons behave and how you think and feel. Seed Magazine also says that from your brains perspective, food is a drug. Some companies have been producing genetically modified (GM) seeds. It is said that anything you consider to be food or anything that you put into your body, should be considered a drug. Even if the food is nutritious or not. Overall, biotechnology and art are highly regarded in society and the combination of the two are what created the controversial issues apparent today. 

http://seedmagazine.com/content/article/wanted_gm_seeds_for_study/

http://brandwiki.today/wellnessgospel/files/2015/03/modified-food.jpg

Sources: 
"GFP BUNNY." GFP BUNNY. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2016."Kathy High: Visual/media Artist, Independent Curator, Educator." Kathy High: Projects: Embracing Animal. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2016.
"Seed Magazineabout." This Is Your Brain on Food § SEEDMAGAZINE.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2016.
"Seed Magazineabout." Wanted: GM Seeds for Study § SEEDMAGAZINE.COM. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 May 2016.
https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/484297/pages/unit-6-view?module_item_id=8599405
(Intro Lecture)

Event 1

At the Anne Neimetz lecture tonight, I gained greater insight into the contribution between the arts and science in a subject I’m particularly passionate about. Fashion has been a big part of my life and I have never thought about the scientific part of it until tonight’s lecture.

Tonight’s lecture helped me understand deeper in the bigger picture of the class because it explained it with a topic I’m interested in. The addition to fashion with actual technology, such as lights on a dress, enhanced the style of the dress, and the artist had to have both scientific and artistic knowledge in order to create the dress and make it look fashionable at the same time.  This example helped me realize the contribution of science to fashion overall, not only in this specific instance. When I pick out my outfit, I make sure that all of the aspects such as the colors, style, and materials work together so the end product is presentable. This can be related to a formula, with all of the ingredients working together to come to the end product.

Tonight’s lecture helped me apply ideas in the class to my own personal life, and that’s significant because I feel

like I can benefit in multiple areas of my life with this broader range of skills.

Week 4: MedTech + Art

Before this week’s assignment, I never knew that art played such a significant role within medicine. I wouldn’t have believed or even considered that practicing medicine is an art. Thinking back on it now, I can understand how it can be considered art.

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I am a gymnast here at UCLA and in 2014 I was here for a gymnastics camp and ended up injuring my ankle that required surgery. I personally believe that doctors can be considered artists when it comes to preforming surgery, especially when it comes to the more serious and complex surgeries. Before going into surgery we had to decide what type of surgery to perform on my ankle and we decided that I needed a complete ankle reconstruction. Months after the surgery I needed to go back in to get an MRI to make sure that everything had healed properly. When people within society see an image, they automatically think art, but an MRI ultimately falls under the category of science and art.

Before surgery I looked at an original MRI of my hurt ankle and compared it to an example of a plasticized model of a properly functioning ankle. Looking at this model reminded me of the time I went to a BodyWorlds exhibit. Visiting the BodyWorlds exhibit broadened my view on medical practice, as I realized that there are many artistic ways to view medicine, other than the in its historically practical sense.

http://archive.protomag.com/statics/SU_08_Grays_1e_6_a_hz.jpg

Gray’s Anatomy was published in 1858 and is a book demonstrating the evolution of medical illustrations of the human body. This is an older form of medical technology and is either on almost every artists shelf or by their side. The fascination with the body continues today and is becoming very advanced. 

Sources:

“Current Exhibitions.” Exhibitions. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016

Gray, Henry, Peter L. Williams, and Henry Gray. Gray’s Anatomy. Edinburgh: C. Livingstone, 1989. Print. 

"MRI - Magnetic Resonance Imaging." :Foot and Ankle Common Disorders. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016

"The Intersection of Art and Medicine." Colby Magazine. 2015. Web. 24 Apr. 2016

Video lectures 1 and 2 by Professor Vesna
( https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/484297/pages/unit-4-view?module_item_id=8599397)

Week 2: Math + Art

            `Throughout this week, I have gained great insights through the lectures and readings especially on the feats brought about through the combination of math and art, one being that neither can exist without the other. Linda Dalrymple Henderson’s The Fourth and Non-Euclidean Geometry in Modern Art, Revised Edition, exemplifies on this idea through her studies of the dimensions and how artists rely on mathematics such as non-Eauclidean geometry and a 4^th dimension of space in the creation of modern art. In addition to the concept of artists using math to create pieces, Alberti gives his own definition of a painting stating, “A painting is the intersection of a visual pyramid at a given distance, with a fixed center and a defined position of light, represented by art with lines and colors on a given surface,” strongly suggesting that art is created through mathematics. Renee Goularte presents a lesson combining the aspects of both math and art. The beginning of this lesson consists of basic definitions of common terms used in both subjects, such as a point, line, and pattern, already showing how interchangeable these two “separate” subjects are.

            M. C Escher is a famous artist who created especially mathematically challenging artwork. He used mathematical techniques such as division, balance, and perspective in order to make pieces that would actually be mathematically impossible in the real world, but accurate in the artwork due to the way the human eye sees patterns.

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http://homepage.ntlworld.com/andrew.lipson/escher/relativity.jpg

          These are photos of Escher and one of his pieces called “Relativity” showing a staircase not mathematically functional in the real world yet believable to the eye. Art is created through the understanding of mathematics, and then expanded on creatively. 

http://discovermagazine.com/~/media/Images/Issues/2014/April/Math%20art%20gallery/math-cover.jpg?mw=738

        This image shows this idea of how a spiral is created, yet made to be artistic through creative traits such as coloring and shading. Overall, mathematics and science work together and add to each other, contributing to the expansion of one another. 

Sources: 

A

Abbott, Edwin Abbott. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1963. Print. 

"Linking Math and Art Through the Elements of Design." Share2learn. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2016

"M.C. Escher." - Gallery. N.p., n.d. Web 10 Apr. 2016. 

"

O'Connor, J. J., and E. F. Robertson. "Mathematics and Art - Perspective." Mathematics and Art. N.p., Jan. 2003. Web. 10 Apr. 2016. 

"The Mathematics of Art - Math Central." The Mathematics of Art - Math Central. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Apr. 2016. 

Week 1: Two Cultures

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I can greatly relate to the existence of two cultures and the difficulties that arise from this idea because I am an undeclared physical science major, yet I also have a very artistic side that I unfortunately cannot fully explore due to the intense separation that prominently exists at UCLA. One of the most obvious obstacles is simply that UCLA's large campus is divided by these two cultures; North campus belonging to the arts and humanities, and South campus focused solely on math and science. This geographical separation leads to the separation of people, which in consequence leads to the withdrawal of collaboration between the two cultures, and this collaboration has been an important aspect of the past success in both the artistic and scientific worlds, as referred to in the reading, "The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution by C.P. Snow." I consider myself to be "in between" the cultures due to the fact that  I am interested in both sides, and I have been greatly affected by the disconnection because I have faced difficulty at finding classes that interest me, yet also support my major, as well as the fact that the campus does not geographically support the involvement in both cultures. Stephen Wilson explains that the gap between art and science is reducing because artists have been more and more interested with learning about technology. 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/furiousgeorge81/95137658

I see myself as lucky that I have grown up with a father who works as an engineer, and a mother who works in design, therefor exposing me to both cultures from a very young age. Not only was I able to note the aspects of each world, but I was able to notice how my mother and father helped each other with their work even though they are from allegedly "different" cultures. I have benefited from this because it has broadened my own perspective on how this divide of society is actually detrimental, and it encourages me to use skills from both cultures in order to exist in the "third culture" and experience greater success in my own life. 

Sources: 

"Academic EBriefings." A Dangerous Divide. N.p., 24 July 2009. Web. 03 Apr. 2016

Bohm, David. "On Creativity." 2nd ed. Vol. 1. London: MIT, 1968. Print. 137-149

Snow, C. P. "The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution." New York: Cambridge UP, 1959. Print. 

Wilson, Stephen. "Myths and Confusions in Thinking about Art/Science/Technology." College Art Association Meetings. New York, New York, 2000. Print

Vesna, Victoria. "Towards a Third Culture: Being In Between." Leonardo. 34 (2001): 121-125. Print.