Week 10 Blog Update

This week I became aware of the connection between space and art. In the video of the “Powers of Ten” (1), I learned just how small we as humans are compared to the rest of the universe. Because of how large space is, even the idea of it can confuse me, the way that people can manipulate it and interact with it can be very powerful. 

For example, we learned about the ‘Space Race’ (2) which happened in the late 1900’s, and where space became a very desirable area for America and  the Soviet Union to show affluence. This led to the increase of research and exploration in space, and once America got the first men on the moon (3), it gave them a lot of power and affluence in the world. This shows that it is a very influential aspect of the modern world. Space also affects us everyday because it is present in the world of sci-fi literature and movies. There are so many books and movies that include space, and because space is so unknown, they can really range in creativity. One friendly example of a movie involving space is Wall-E,(4) which involves the idea that Earth has become an unsuitable habitat for humans, and they now inhabit a space ship that floats around space. This shows how space can serve as a hypothetical home for humans if need be.

 Another example of space travel portrayed in media is Star Wars, (5) where there are all different forms of life who live on all different planets and solar systems. This portrays space as a world where anything can happen, with countless species that make humans seem like they play a much smaller role. The diversity in these different space portrayals shows just how limitless space can be because so much of it is unknown.

Works Cited:

(1)"Powers of Ten" <https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=522&v=0fKBhvDjuy0>

(2)"Space Race" Wikipedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Space_Race>

(3)"Apollo 11" Wikipedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_11>

(4)"Wall-E"IMDB.<http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0910970/>

(5)"Star Wars" Wikipedia. <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Star_Wars>

Images

(1)"Space Image". <http://amzwall.com/space-picture/v>

(2)"Wall-E". <https://40.media.tumblr.com/c98be824496/tumblr_n8lo9c2b6l1ts4ctco1_400.jpg>

(3)"Star Wars". <http://cdn.playbuzz.com/cdn/ae928505-70fe-4538-8fc4-034d1acef441/b7a29f96-7410-440b-9d93-3cfc0abccce9.jpg>

Unit 8 Blog Post

Nanotechnology is something that many people don’t know much about because it is so small that people can’t see it. However, according to this week’s video lecture (1), I learned that artists are able to take aspects of nanotechnology to create things that show the importance of nanotechnology in todays society and economy. 

(1)

One important aspect of nanotechnology today is nanoparticles, which has a wide variety of potential applications in biomedical, optical, and electronic fields (2). Scientists have even worked to design them in a way that shows dangerous blood clots, and makes them visible (3). This is a very important discovery because it also shows the blood clot’s exact location, making it easier for doctors to treat. This is just one example of how nanotechnology can help the world. However, more research has also shown how nanoparticles from diesel exhaust can damage the human lungs (4). With the development of these scientific movements, many problems often arise. However, I think that this is mostly due to the fact that nanotechnology is such a young field, and with the continuation of research, scientists will be able to fix these problems. 

(2)

For example, one new development in nanotechnology is the first programmable nanoprocessor (5), which shows a large improvement in nanotechnology. This unit works off of little power, and it can perform many logical functions while also simplifying the contraptions that used to do such tasks. It also seems to symbolize just the start of such inventions, as it promises the creation of future nanoprocessors to be larger and more functional. The field of nanotechnology is rapidly advancing, and becoming a more and more important aspect of today’s world. 

(3)

Works Cited:

(1)Vesna, Victoria. Nanotechnology and Art. Lecture. Video

(2)"Nanoparticle." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 23 May 2015.

(3)Saldana Cavalle, Josep. "New Nanoparticles Make Blood Clots Visible." NanoWiki. N.p., 7 Feb. 2011. Web.

(4)Saldana Cavalle, Josep. "Findings on Pollution Damage." NanoWiki. N.p., 5 July 2011. Web.

(5)Saldana Cavalle, Josep. "Worlds First Programmable Nanoprocessor." NanoWiki. N.p., 5 July 2011. Web.

Images:

(1)"Nano-Scale" <http://s.hswstatic.com/gif/what-is-nanotechnology-diagram.gif>

(2)"Diesel Smoke" <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/7/79/Diesel-smoke.jpg>

(3)"Nanoprocessor" <http://www.legitreviews.com/images/reviews/719/centaur_glenn.jpg>

Robert Gero Exhibition Event

Yesterday I was able to go see Robert Gero’s exhibition of  ‘Infinity Structures: Paradoxical Spaces”. This was the most intimate art display I’ve ever been a part of, and it was very exciting for me to experience this side of the art world. Upon arriving at the exhibit, I was blown away to encounter both a visual and audio art piece. It was a styrofoam contraption that had many angles and edges, filling the room. There was also cushions placed in the some of the corners of this contraption, which I later learned were originally from the space that was used, in order to incorporate the previous space with the artwork that now filled it. There was also sounds playing in the background that really had an effect on the whole ambiance, making the display seem more futuristic. 

Selfie with the Exhibit

We were able to listen to Robert Gero talk about his artwork, and he explained that it was essentially a screen shot of an ‘infinity space’. He described infinity spaces to be something like rooms that have infinite amounts of new aspects to them, and continue to unfold forever. I admired how he was able to implement themes like geometry and architecture in his piece, and I immediately thought of this class and how we acknowledge how art and other subjects go hand in hand. 

Robert Gero Speaking about his work

This entire experience was so interesting to me, and nothing like I had ever done before. I was nervous when I first got there because I don’t know very much about art, but the exhibition was very inviting, and everyone seemed very excited about this piece of art. Overall, this was a very positive experience for me and I really enjoyed being able to appreciate art in this way, which I normally would never have experienced. 

Fowler Museum Visit

Recently, I took a trip to The Fowler Museum on campus. I was surprised to know that the Fowler museum was so easily accessible and free for all students, even though I had taken a class that was located in the lecture hall underneath the museum. When I entered, I was excited to see that there were several very well put together exhibits, which were much more than I expected for this little museum. The first pieces of art I saw were handmade items from Southeast Asia. There were beautiful handwoven rugs, vases, and other objects that the women from this are created. I really appreciated these displays in particular because although I am not anywhere near an art critic, I was able to see the details of the work of these women. The products were not only beautiful, but also show the work that everyday women are able to create.

We also went to another display where there were many clothes made out of normal recycled things. For example, there was a dress made out of old socks. This was interesting to me because it showed how art can be made out of things that once did not seem so beautiful. Also, it showed me how art can utilize these things to make them not only works of art, but also repurpose it into a useful item.

Lastly, I was pleased to see an exhibit about M.F Husain, one of India's most known modern artists. Husain not only made artistic movements in India, but also political ones. I was able to read about his fight for free speech and freedom in India, and found it very inspiring that art can be used as a basis for gaining freedom for others.

Unit 7 Blog Post

Neuroscience is a very important aspect of society, as it is constantly developing to further understand the human brain. As scientists research to learn more and more about how the brain processes different things consciously and unconsciously, artists are able to use this to enhance art (1). While hearing this in the lecture videos, I immediately thought of my own example of this that happened earlier this year. There was a picture of a dress that went viral on social media that showed how neuroscience can trick the mind. 

Some people thought the dress was black and blue, and others thought that it was white and gold. The real dress was actually blue and black, but depending on several variables, different people’s brains interpreted the color in different ways (2). This showed me that people can slightly alter images and artwork and produce affect people and their brains in different ways. 

In Vilayaanur Ramachandran’s Ted Talk, “3 clues to understanding your brain” (3), I learned about the Capgras delusion, when someone comes out of a coma, and believes that their mother is an imposter for some reason. He explains how this shows that when the brain is confused, it tries to fill in the blanks, and sometimes this distorts reality. 

This also comes to play in magic shows, and with magician work (4). They use the natural tendencies of the human mind and ‘hack’ them to make it appear as if it is magic. This is a type of art because magicians use the knowledge of neuroscience and the human body to trick others. 

There is even a sub division of aesthetics that goes by ‘neuroesthetics’, which is the study of “the neural bases for the contemplation and creation of a work of art” (5). This shows just how strong the connection between art and neuroscience is that there is even a name for it. 

Works Cited:

(1)Vesna, Victoria. Neuroscience and Art. Lecture. Video

(2)Weintrab, Karen. "Blue or White Dress? Why We See Colors Differently." National Geographic. National Geographic Society, 27 Feb. 2015. Web. 18 May 2015.

(3)"3 Clues to Understanding Your Brain." VS Ramachandran:. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015.

(4)"Sleights of Mind - What the Neuroscience of Magic Reveals About Our Everyday Deceptions." Sleights of Mind RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015.

(5)"Neuroesthetics." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 18 May 2015.

Images:

(1)"White+dress+vs+blue - Google Search." White+dress+vs+blue - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015.

(2)<http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00397/13SMRAMACHANDRAN_397786f.jpg>

(3)"Magic+and+neuroscience - Google Search." Magic+and+neuroscience - Google Search. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015.

Week 6 Blog Update

Biotechnology is a very important aspect of today’s world, as it is constantly helping the world evolve (1). Art is also a large part of it’s influence, as the two topics significantly affect each other. 

(1)

When I was watching the video lecture (2) of this week, I was really surprised to find how controversial of a topic biotechnology is. I found the Green Fluorescent Bunny (3), genetically created by Eduardo Kac, to be somewhat cruel. Kac is a ‘transgenetic artist’, where he tries to work outside the ideas of the natural world and create pieces that are provocative.

(1)

 I feel torn on the subject because I do understand that it is important work that these scientists are doing, and they are trying to find more and more research, however, I do not agree with using the lives of these animals in the name of art. 

I find myself torn between the ethics of biotechnology on it in regards to human fetuses. I know that currently biotechnology has created genetic testing (4), which takes part of the placenta to test and see if any major mutations have occurred in the genes, to determine whether the baby will have any disorders. This can be helpful for parents to get a head start on preparing their lives  for their child. However, there is also research being done towards something called designer babies (5). This would allow the parens of the child to ‘create’ their ideal child. I have ethical problems with this idea. I think that the flaws each of us have are a beautiful thing, and play a great role in creating understanding, humble, and respectful individuals. 

Biotechnology is a very important field of study, and when it is incorporated with art it can be very helpful like with in-vitro fertilization, or harmful to society.

Images

(1)Biotechnology. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web.

(2)Alba. Digital image. Http://www.ekac.org/albagreen.jpeg. N.p., n.d. Web.

(3)Genetic Baby. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web.

Works Cited

(1)"Biotechnology." Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, 2015. Web. 09 May 2015.

(2)"5 Bioart Pt1 1280x720." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 09 May 2015.

(3)"Eduardo Kac." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 4 May 2015. Web. 09 May 2015.

(4)"Genetic Testing." KidsHealth - the Web's Most Visited Site about Children's Health. Ed. Larissa Hirsch. The Nemours Foundation, 01 Apr. 2014. Web. 09 May 2015.

(5)"What Is a Designer Baby?" What Is a Designer Baby? N.p., n.d. Web. 09 May 2015.

Event: Hammer Museum

Earlier this month, I went to The Hammer Museum in Westwood. I had seen the museum many times when I have been out and about in The Village, yet had never taken the time to actually go inside. I must admit, I had very low expectations to see this museum, and I don't consider myself a very 'artistic' person. However, just like I have found myself surprised to be able to relate to many art forms in each week's discussions, I found myself being very intrigued and enthusiastic about the Hammer Museum.

When we first got there, I was so excited to see people swirling around in these chairs that one could spin around in almost like a spinning top, and not fall over. I spent a lot of time laughing and having so much fun. I did not totally understand how this related to art until I saw later in an exhibit, that art can be used to overcome barriers. These chairs, for example, was proof that art can turn something with a function so clear like a chair, into a toy or something to enjoy.

(1)

When entering the actual art exhibits, I was very surprised to see art that I actually enjoyed. I previously thought that I would see very abstract art that I could not relate to and would not understand. However, I was surprised when I saw the Charles Gaines exhibit and thought it was very interesting. I especially liked his pieces with trees and nature.

I was also very surprised to see pieces by very famous artists that I had learned about in art classes live Van Gogh. I thought it was really great that with free admission, anyone can go see some of the most famous art in the world. Overall, I had a very positive experience, and it was much more fun than I originally expected. I'm so happy that I was able to go, and I think everyone who has the opportunity should go, since it is a free resource so close to campus.

Works Cited

(1) http://hammer.ucla.edu/blog/2015/03/building-family-time-with-build-a-bike/

(2) http://hammer.ucla.edu/exhibitions/2015/charles-gaines-gridwork-1974-1989/