Event 1: Hammer Museum

The first time I had visited the Hammer Museum was with my family when I just started out at UCLA last year and loved how interesting and captivating all the pieces of artwork were. This time around I had gone by myself and was surprised to see how different all the current exhibits were. The first thing that caught my attention inevitably were the spinning chairs. I completely thought I would tip over if I started spinning but to my surprise, it didn’t. These chairs were a product of Thomas Heatherwick’s exhibition, Provocations. I was so confused as to how I was not tipping over but it is evident that math had to have played a role in designing these chairs because the artist had to make sure to do it in such a way that one would not fall of.          

All of the artwork was great but I found Charles Gaines, Gridwork to be the most intriguing and my personal favorite. I found this exhibit in particular to be closely related to what we covered in unit 2, Math + Art. Comparable to what I stated above, when I first saw the exhibit it appeared to be a colorful tree and as I approached it I noticed it is composed of numbered squares projected onto a grid pattern. There were numerous projects similar to this one and I really enjoyed and appreciated the contribution of math and science to compose such aesthetically pleasing pieces of artwork. And after taking DESMA 9, it is neat to be able to connect the concepts learned throughout the course and have a new appreciation for something I hadn't before. 

      

Space + Art

Image of space as depicted in Star Wars

Over this course we have seen the collision of art, technology and science and the ways in which they enhance and compliment each other. We have explored the smallest of things, which was nanotechnology and now the very largest of things that we will talk about today, space. The video, “Powers of Ten” really put into perspective how small the earth we live on actually is compared to the bigger scale of things. We as humans and even the Earth are only a very tiny speck equated to the universe. Space is such a fascinating and intriguing topic of study and discussion.  It is something way beyond us, millions and millions of miles away. Before the technology that we have today, one could only look out at the universe and imagine what this mysterious outside world was like. Popular movies such as Star Wars were based on space and the director’s depiction of what this unknown phenomenon could contain. 

Beginning with Copernicus and his influential model of the universe in 1512, the advancements with the study of the universe really began to spark. In the 17^th century, progresses in technology finally gave us insight into what the universe is like through the invention and lens of the telescope. Since the times of Copernicus, astronomers have come so far giving us a great perception of space by launching rockets and satellites to discover what this mysterious outside world was like. All of these discoveries took what was once left to our imagination and evolved it into reality.

Nanotechnology also plays a role in space exploration in numerous ways but one in particular that Professor Vesna covered is Bucky Balls, which were one of the first nanoparticles discovered. It is said that billions of years ago comets and meteorites carried these with them when they bombarded earth. If they were delivered in tact, the molecules would arrive on earth’s surface. Following these findings, theories surfaced that comets and meteorites contributed to producing life by supplying organic compounds when they crashed into earth.

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama's Infinity Mirror Room

Our attraction with outer space displays itself in many forms of art. According to an article by Alison Nastasi, our fascination with space has grown rapidly and artists are “exploring concepts of space that are bringing us closer to the solar system more than ever” (Nastasi). Artist, Yayoi Kussama composed an art piece that is suppose to “hypnotize” its viewers with his infinity mirror room. He filled a darkened mirrored room with hundreds of LED lights and a floor that contained a shallow pool of water portraying its as the Milky Way. Comparable to the human brain, there are so many unanswered questions about space despite the many advances we have made and Kusama portrays this well in his artwork representing the “dizzying sense of endless space.” 

Works Cited:

Klotz, Irene. "Bushels of Buckyballs Found in Space : DNews." DNews. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 June 2015.

Nastasi, Alison. "Cosmic Art Installations Inspired By Space." N.p., n.d. Web. 06 June 2015.

Vesna, Victoria. “Space Exploration + Art lectures.” Youtube. Web. 29 July 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZMDpoP-u0>

"What Is a Buckyball (C60)." Understanding Nano. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 June 2015.

Nanotechnology + Art

This week’s material was very interesting and something I had little knowledge of. To most, nanotechnology is a very difficult science to understand mainly due to its complicated nature and our incapability to visualize it. I was also surprised at how fairly recent this area of study is, in 1959, Richard Feynman claimed, “this could be a new form of technology that could change the world” and according to Dr. Gimzewski, he was completely right. In his talk, “there’s plenty of room at the bottom” Feynman talked about how tiny things have huge technological potential. But, as I stated earlier, it is hard for most to comprehend something so microscopic and conceptual making it difficult for the ordinary eye to understand and trust in this technology. This is where art plays its role in attempt to make a science that we cannot visualize easier to grasp and allow a new understanding for nanotechnology.

According to National Geographic, the Los Angeles Museum of Art holds an exhibition (that was created by our very own Professor Vesna & Gimzewski) that allows its visitors to sense what its like to move molecules and manipulate atoms one by one. Ultimately, as Professor Vesna describes, this science is about shift in our perception. This miniscule-based science in which we are very unfamiliar with forces us to move from visual to adapt to a culture based on sensing and connectivity (Vesna).

Nanotechnology has also made its way to the field of medicine. Nano particles can be used in medicine with the capability of treating cancer patients to reduce the toxicity of their chemotherapy. This technology has immense potential with the ability to be very effective in the field of medicine, with the power to be highly sensitive and causing little to no damage to a patient. With these findings and the constant study o

f this field, nanotechnology can advance science to a whole new level we never thought possible.

Just as we have been learning all quarter, though being very different disciplines, art, science and technology cannot be independent of the other. The three disciplines inspire each other and more importantly, supplement each other expanding our knowledge to greater heights everyday.        

Works Cited:

"Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Understand?" National Geographic. National Geographic Society, n.d. Web. 05 June 2015.

 "Nanotech Jim lectures" YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE  

"Simulation and the Art of Making Nanotechnology Work." - E & T Magazine. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 June 2015.

"The Promise Of Nanotechnology." CISN -. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 June 2015.  

"Understanding Nanotechnology." National Cancer Institute. N.p., n.d. Web. 06 June 2015. 

Neuroscience + Art

Before we had the means and technology to really research the brain and its functions, Aristotle proposed that the brain was a cooling mechanism for the blood and all our thinking came from the heart (Vesna). It is so fascinating to see all the advancements made and how far we have come with neuroscience and the research and findings still occurring today. Though we have made massive amounts of progress with research over the years, there are still many unanswered questions regarding this unique and very complicated organ and how neuro functions work. 

One of Cajals influential illustrations

The brain is a true work of art that has been vastly studied with high appeal to understand how this complex organ works, and just like the body itself, artists have used this organ as an influence for their art. The merge between art and neuroscience is shown through artist and scientist, Ramon Cajal who claimed that, “only artist are attracted to science” (Vesna). With his research and knowledge he composed iconic pictures that contributed greatly to the complicated field of neuroscience. He was the first person to create illustrations that accurately portrayed the neurological system. Cajal is a great example of the merge between art and science because without the means of technology, his artistic ability allowed him to share his findings to the public.

Representation of the brain on LSD

What I found most interesting this week was the popularity and role that mind altering and psychedelic drugs had in early history, in particular cocaine and LSD. It is shocking that these highly illegal drugs were once widely available and so normal and common to use and even considered “wonder drugs.” Cocaine was initially used for medical purposes until it became highly abused resulting in masses of addicts who in turn needed medical care. The brain has tremendous depth with so many interesting possibilities and with early research science desired to understand and explore the different ways in which we can utilize this complex organ. Exploring the use of chemicals and neuron reactions was one common way used to discover aspects of the human mind and how it can be altered and affected. Albert Hofman experimented with LSD for medical purposes to later find out the hallucinogenic side effects that allowed us to explore a part of the mind that would have never been discovered and experienced otherwise. This naturally poses curiosity and how substances can affect our mind and offer understanding to the endless capacity of the brain. It is a very controversial drug, especially in early history when it was popular, that ultimately opened the door to countless research and fascinating findings in attempt to explore and make sense of the complex yet fascinating field of neuroscience. 

Works Cited:
 

Cohen, Mark. "Lecture by Mark Cohen." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web.

Sabbatini, Renato. "The Neuron Doctrine." Brain and Mind. N.p., 23 Feb. 2003. Web.

"Unravelling the Effects of Acid in the Brain." Research & Development. N.p., 21 May 2012. Web.

Vensa, Victoria. Neuroscience + Art Lectures I-III. UC Online. N.p., n.d. Web.

Biotechnology + Art

This week’s topic is very interesting because of the fascinating yet controversial concepts that derive from the advancements between art and biotechnology. For example, genetically modified food poses questions of safety and health factors of the food but it accounts for farming and producing crops much more time effectively. As for animal experimentation, it poses the question whether it is ethically right or wrong though many interesting results have come from these experiments. 

Since the introduction of genetically modified organisms they have been a source of controversy. In my opinion, though experiments used on animals can be interesting; they can be harmful and serve no purpose or contribution to society. Just like the experiment of the jellyfish luminescent gene. While it is used on animals for the purpose of research to study biological processes and disease, it was also used by artist Eduardo Kac solely for the purpose of art known as “transgenic art.” This is where ethical implications come into question while experimenting with genetic engineering: is it right or wrong? Though Kac clearly does care for his “GFP bunny” Alba and provides her with the care needed, even after listing his explanation for his transgenic artwork, I as well as many animal activists will agree that there is really no sensible reason for him to alter the natural order of animals for this purpose. Though, I do agree and understand using biotechnology for beneficial research purposes that continue to make a difference in our medical field and society.

Shown above is different statistics regarding GMO's

Genetically modified foods are another aspect of biotechnology that has also caused a major controversy amongst consumers. People consume GMO’s daily without even being aware of it. It is estimated that sixty percent to seventy-five percent of processed food generally found in local grocery stores and restaurants are genetically modified (Feature). On one hand, advocates claim that genetically engineering technology can increase food supply, use fewer pesticides and herbicides, increase the nutrition benefits, and are more durable then other plants but on the other hand GMO activists argue that genetically modified foods cause health risks, introduce allergens and contaminants to food, create super weeds and other environmental threats.

Though there are positive and negative aspects to GMO’s, biotech engineer’s main goal is to create solutions to starvation and issues following food production.

Overall, there are imperfections in all areas of life and as genetically modifying technology continues to advance it will also continue to adapt and grow and more knowledge will be created to use this technology to better our society as a whole.

Works Cited:

Feature, WebMD. "Genetically Modified Foods (Biotech Foods) Pros and Cons." WebMD. WebMD, n.d. Web. 05.

"Genetically Engineered Foods – Why the Controversy?" Genetically Engineered Foods   – Why the Controversy? The Real Truth, n.d. Web. 

Vesna, Victoria. “5 Bioart Part 1.” Online video. YouTube. UC Online, Web.

Week 4: MedTech + Art

I really enjoyed this week. It is so fascinating to me that two completely different disciplines such as Medicine and art can come together and have such a powerful influence on how far we have come with research and our understanding of medicine. The human body has always been a deep fascination and combining the power of art, technology and medicine allowed for both doctors and artists to advance in imaging the body from drawing dissections by hand to technologically advanced 3D scans allowing for us to get a better understanding of our body’s anatomy. 

 

Lecture three, part three left the most impression on me. I feel it poses the question as to whether plastic surgery is a true form of art. I personally believe this can be answered with two sides. Particularly, Orlan left an uneasy impression on me. Firstly, I do believe it is an art form due to having the skill and ability to sculpt a part of the human body however only in the sense of reconstructing for the purpose of medical treatment. Emerging from WWI, physicians at the time had to treat a lot of fatal injuries caused by the damage of war. The destructions and fatalities caused by war was a primary factor in the advances in medical professions (Vesna). Using the accumulation of art, technology and medicine huge innovations emerged, such as prosthetic and bionic limbs for those who had lost limbs returning from war. Now secondly, I believe that such an innovative breakthrough in medicine should not be used for aesthetic reasons. Orlan’s ‘performative’ use of plastic surgery in my opinion is unethical. Today, it is so common generally in the older generation to receive plastic surgery in order to hinder their natural aging process and make them more aesthetically “beautiful.” I strongly believe that such an amazing advancement in technology should be used honorably amongst those with genuine medical disabilities that will better there over all health and mobility. Surgery is definitely an art and surgeons themselves are masters in their craft.

Works Cited:

Lecture Part 1,2,3. Perf. Victoria Vesna. Medicine + Technology + Art. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Apr. 2015.

Neurogadget. N.p., n.d. Web. <http%3A%2F%2Fneurogadget.com%2F2013%2F12%2F11%2Fsoldier-talks-thought-controlled-bionic-arm-video%2F9154>.

"Anatomy of Male Muscular System - Posterior and Anterior View - Full Body – Didactic." Depositphotos. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://depositphotos.com/14814419/stock-photo-anatomy-of-male-muscular-system.html>.

"CT Brain Perfusion." Cedars-Senai. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.cedars-sinai.edu/Patients/Programs-and-Services/Imaging-Center/For-Physicians/Neuroradiology/CT-Brain-Perfusion.aspx>.