Bonus Event 2: Hammer Museum

This is my 4^th year at UCLA, however, I just visited the Hammer Museum for the first time a few days ago!

When I first arrived at the museum, my eyes were drawn to the spinning chairs that people were sitting in. At the beginning, I was hesitant to start spinning because I didn't want the chair to tip over, but it doesn't. I found out that the Spun chair was part of British designer Thomas Heatherwick's exhibition: Provocations: The Architecture and Design of Heatherwick Studio. At the museum, I learned that Heatherwick was inspired to make this chair after making observations of the kinds of objects that can be produced using metal spinning, such as gas cylinders. It is clear that math played a huge role during the development of this chair, because the artist had to make sure that a person would not fall out of the chair when he or she sits in it.

Me in one of the Spun chairs!

                                          Here is a video that shows the chair in action.

Another piece I was intrigued by was a small model of rods similar to the ones found in the UK Pavilion in Shanghai, China. The UK Pavilion, also called The Seed Cathedral, is a cube that is covered in over 60,000 clear acrylic rods, with seeds at the tips of the rods. During the day, the sunlight shines on the rods and lights the tip with the seeds in it. I really like the way that Heatherwick was able to incorporate nature into his art. After doing more research online, I found out that this project was meant to question the relationship between cities and nature. Specifically, seeds are necessary for human medicine and the environment. Seeing these seeds also made me question how many were genetically modified. The pictures of the building looked amazing and I wish I would have been able to see the UK Pavilion in real life. I bet it is fascinating!  

The rods in the exhibit 

 

The actual UK Pavilion being built
Photo courtesy of Shan Tara Feuerlein

I really enjoyed this exhibition and am so lucky I got to view it before it left the Hammer Museum!  

Feuerlein, Shan Tara. "UK Pavilion Shanghai World Expo 2010 - CubeMe." CubeMe. N.p., 14 May 2010. Web. 25 May 2015. <http://cubeme.com/uk-pavilion-shanghai-world-expo-2010/>.

"Heatherwick Studio." UK Pavilion. Heatherwick Studio, n.d. Web. 25 May 2015. <http://www.heatherwick.com/uk-pavilion/>.

"Spinning on the Spun Chair." YouTube. YouTube, 5 Oct. 2011. Web. 25 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LCuirkW_z-k>.

Bonus Event 1: Art Science Society Exhibition

For my next event, I went to the UCLA Art Science Undergraduate Society's exhibition: Movement. I thought this would be a great event to attend, because the club merges science and art, just like our class.

  

One of the projects that I found to be interesting was called Crossroads: A Web of Paths by Mickey Shi. It features an interactive map of the UCLA campus. Students worked together to track where they walked on campus on a particular day. The purpose was to show that students from North and South Campus often cross paths and are more connected than we think. Instead of dividing the campuses we should be bring thing them together.

Mickey Shi's Crossroads: A Web of Paths

I thought this fit perfectly with the lecture about Two Cultures. C.P. Snow said that universities separate art and science as they focus on specialization a particular subject. He said, “This cultural divide is not just an English phenomenon: it exists all over the world” (Snow 11). At UCLA, South campus is home to the science and math majors, whereas North Campus is home to the Humanities. Yet, this project shows that students majoring in sciences and humanities are not completely separated from each other.  According to Professor Vesna, “academia allows artists contact with scholars from many disciplines”. Students can cross different parts of campus in one day and have the possibilities of learning from others with different interests.

I couldn't find the artist of Crossroads, so I took a picture with my friend to prove my attendance.

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

Vesna, Victoria. "Towards a Third Culture or Working in Between." Towards a Third Culture or Working in Between. N.p., n.d. Web. 13 May 2015. <http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/00-01/ThirdCulture/ThirdCulture.htm>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Two Cultures Lectures." Desma 9. Web. 13 May 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-1-view?module_item_id=6472132>.

Event 3: Fowler Musuem

For my next event I went to the Fowler Museum. The exhibition that I thought connected best to this class was called Making Strange: Gagawaka + Postmortem by Vivan Sundaram. Gagawaka consisted of mannequins wearing fashions made from items that might normally be discarded after use. It included bras, medical materials, cups, tampons, etc. In a short film shown at the museum, the artist says this project “uses trash as a starting point to creativity”. The second project, Postmortem, is comprised of interesting sculptures that use mannequins and human anatomy models together.

This work is called Diva R-E-D and is made from red bras.

I personally preferred the Gagawaka project. I really liked how the artist was so resourceful in reusing items that are common, but not meant for long-time use and creatively made them into elaborate clothing pieces. One of the Gagawaka pieces that I enjoyed the most was called Silver Foil Suit. The artist used empty foil wrappers from pills to create a men's jacket and pants. I thought this was a really impressive way to combine art and medicine. People normally take pills when they are sick, and yet, the artist transformed the item into something beautiful.

Silverfoil Suit

Another garment that intrigued me was in a work called YSL. The mannequin was wearing Lycra orthopedic supports, which are normally worn when a person has an injury or is aging and needs extra support. However, the mannequin clearly did not have arms or legs that needed support. It was one of the more simple Gagaworks pieces, but I found the royal blue color visually appealing. It was definitely attire I could picture Lady Gaga wearing.

YSL

One of the Postmortem works that I found interesting was called Acrobat. An anatomy model was placed inside a mannequin to make it more comparable to a postmortem human body that's been opened. To give the body a decaying effect, the paint of the mannequin's leg was chipped off and discolored. The other leg was green, as if a person was wearing tights, and the mannequin had a skirt that appeared to be made out of cotton. Although I didn't think it was as appealing as the other works, I appreciated the attention to detail. Also, I usually only see mannequins in clothing stores, so this project presented them in a different way. It made me think more about the human body after death. 

Acrobat

Overall, I was surprised how well the exhibition featured work that was associated with our class. The projects featured both art and science intertwined together in a thought-provoking way. 

 

                                              Me at Fowler

""Making Strange" by Vivan Sundaram at The Fowler Museum." Theartminion. N.p., 30 Apr. 2015. Web. 21 May 2015. <http://theartminion.com/2015/04/30/making-strange/>.

"Making Strange: Gagawaka + Postmortem by Vivan Sundaram | Fowler Museum at UCLA." Making Strange: Gagawaka + Postmortem by Vivan Sundaram | Fowler Museum at UCLA. The Regents of University of California, n.d. Web. 21 May 2015. <http://www.fowler.ucla.edu/exhibitions/making-strange-gagawaka-postmortem-vivan-sundaram>.

Event 2: Lecture by Louis-Philippe Demers

In this class, we learned how robotics and art could be intertwined. Last month, I attended a lecture by Louis-Philippe Demers, an artist who uses robotics in many ways.

During his lecture, Demers spent some time discussing the concept of perception. He showed a clip of a 1944 psychology experiment by Fritz Heider and Marianne Simmel. The clip features moving shapes, however, people start assembling a story in their mind of what is going on, as if the shapes are people.

He also showed a video of a robot attempting to climb stairs (see below). Demers pointed out that we tend to put meaning in this video instead of just recognizing it as a robot trying to figure something out. When the robot falls, many people react and feel sorry for it. The robot isn't real and cannot feel anything when it falls, yet humans empathize with it. I have to admit that when I saw the video, I definitely felt bad when the robot tripped, even though I knew it couldn't feel any emotions. As a psychology major, I have seen the Heider and Simmel clip before, but it was interesting for me to see the same concept in a different setting. 

One of the interesting projects Demers worked on was called Blind Robot. A person sits down and is touched by a robot, in the same way a blind human could touch someone to visualize what he or she looks like. Demers mentioned that when he puts a mirror in the room so people can see themselves being touched, many individuals take a selfie. I think I would probably have a different reaction; I would not enjoy being touched by this robot.  

In the project Inferno, inspired by Dante's Inferno, people are placed in suits connected to robots. The robot moves the person's arms at any given moment and the individual does not have much control. Demers mentioned that this art represents the boredom of being a machine. He also said that it's meant to represent what hell could be like. I was not a fan of this project because I found it creepy and not aesthetically pleasing. 

Overall, Louis-Philippe Demers' lecture was interesting.  Previously, I would have thought that humans would only show emotion to a robot such as Hiroshi Ishiguro's geminoid (because it looks realistic), but that is not the case. His lecture demonstrated how robotics can be used to learn more about human behavior, specifically perception and empathy. 

"Art Electronica 2013, Louis Philippe Demers -- The Blind Robot." YouTube. YouTube, 17 Sept. 2013. Web. 12 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRKO1En2HTk>.

Demers, Louis-Philippe. "Louis-Philippe Demers Lecture." Louis-Philippe Demers Lecture. United States, Los Angeles. 21 Apr. 2015. Lecture.

"Honda's Asimo Robot Buckling on the Stairs." YouTube. YouTube, 12 Dec. 2006. Web. 12 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTlV0Y5yAww>.

"Inferno @ Stereolux 2015." YouTube. YouTube, 18 Apr. 2015. Web. 12 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mele9SxKyf0>.

"Inferno." Processing-Plant. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://processing-plant.com/web_csi/index.html#project=inferno>.

Webb, David. "Fritz Heider & Marianne Simmel: An Experimental Study of Apparent Behavior." Psychology. N.p., Apr. 2013. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://www.all-about-psychology.com/fritz-heider.html>.

Space + Art

Reading about outer space and watching space movies has always been fun for me, so I enjoyed getting to learn more about the history of space exploration during this week. 

An astronaut on a spacewalk

I was already aware that Virgin Galactic is working on developing commercial flights into space. However, I had no idea that asteroid mining has the potential to be a trillion dollar industry. Professor Vesna explained that a one kilometer diameter asteroid could contain an abundance of nickel, metal cobalt, and platinum. Additionally, the water found in asteroids can be broken down into hydrogen and oxygen-based rocket fuels (“Asteroids”). This means that the cost of space exploration could decrease, making it easier for companies to send more probes/rockets into space.

This is a concept sketch of a proposed device that could harvest asteroids.

One of the most common concerns for human travel into deep space is radiation exposure. But, water from asteroids could act as a radiation shield. According to Chris Lewicki, an aerospace engineer, “1 single cubic meter of water can block almost all forms of radiation in space, allowing you to travel to Mars worry-free” (“Asteroids”). Asteroid mining could expand the global economy and our knowledge of the solar system. I hope companies are able to develop the necessary technology so that this can become a reality.

Some of the metals found in asteroids

The artist Arthur Woods has been inspired by space exploration and regularly integrates science into his artwork. In 1993, his project called Cosmic Dancer was sent into outer space to the Russian Mir space station. It was a three-dimensional geometric form made of aluminum. The artist made his project green because the color is associated with nature (Arthur Woods). Woods wanted to study the sculpture in a weightless environment and learn how how art affects humans in orbit. The video of the project (seen below) in space is fascinating. I really liked how one of the astronauts imitated the rotation and movement of the Cosmic Dancer for a bit. It was almost as if he and the artwork were dancing together.

"Asteroids." Planetary Resources Asteroids Comments. Planetary Resources, n.d. Web. 20 May 2015. <http://www.planetaryresources.com/asteriods/#market-for-metals>.

Dunbar, Brian. "What Is a Spacewalk?" NASA. NASA, 24 Sept. 2009. Web. 20 May 2015. <http://www.nasa.gov/audience/forstudents/k-4/stories/what-is-a-spacewalk-k4.html#.VV1RQZNViko>.

Hammonds, Markus. "Asteroid Mining: Booming 21st Century Gold Rush? : DNews." DNews. Discovery Communications, 4 Feb. 2013. Web. 20 May 2015. <http://news.discovery.com/space/asteroids-meteors-meteorites/could-asteroid-mining-drive-21st-century-space-industry-130204.htm>.

Tasarra-Twigg, Noemi. "Asteroid Mining: Sci-Fi Economy Becoming Reality?" ForeverGeek. Splashpress Media, 04 May 2012. Web. 20 May 2015. <http://www.forevergeek.com/2012/05/asteroid-mining-sci-fi-economy-becoming-reality/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Space + Art Lecture Part 5." Desma 9. Web. 20 May 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-9-view?module_item_id=6472176>.

Whitley, David. "Beam Me up." Traveller. Fairfax Media, 1 Apr. 2012. Web. 20 May 2015. <http://www.traveller.com.au/beam-me-up-1w0q3>.

Woods, Arthur. "Cosmic Dancer - a Space Art Intervention by Arthur Woods." The Cosmic Dancer Project : Cosmic Dancer Project Information : Arthur Woods. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 May 2015. <http://www.cosmicdancer.com/cosmic_dancer_project_information.php>.

Nanotechnology and Art

This week we learned how nanotechnology and art are used together. One example is the famous Lycurgus cup that Dr. Gimzewski described in lecture. The cup appears to be green when it is lit from the front, but red when it is lit from behind. Researchers studying the cup found that the Romans used gold and silver nanoparticles in the glass, which cause the cup to change colors depending on the direction of the light. Engineer Gang Logan Liu said, “The Romans knew how to make and use nanoparticles for beautiful art” (Merali). I find this interesting because nanotechnology is still an evolving field, yet the Romans were using is over 1,600 years ago!

I enjoyed the article about the John Curtin Gallery in Perth. Specifically, I was fascinated by Boo Chapple's Transjuicer project. She was able to make an audio speaker out of a bone. By applying oscillating voltage to the bone, it vibrates at the nanoscale and generates sound. The artist played songs into the bone and recorded them using a laser interferometer. She explained that her project “speaks to the relationship between a biological organism and their electromagnetic world” (O'Boyle). I thought it was neat how she wasn't really concerned about the functionality of the bone and instead was focused on the process of the art.

Transjuicer

Nanoparticles can be found in items that we regularly use. For example, silver nanoparticles with an antimicrobial effect are often used in socks. The nanoparticles are added to socks to kill the odor-causing bacteria, so people can wear them for a long period of time without a bad smell. However, this idea is controversial as some scientists worry about the environmental consequences of using nanotechnology in consumer goods. Some experiments have shown that  silver nanoparticles can come off the socks when they are washed, and enter the waste water system. If the water eventually ends up in a river or lake, it can hurt the aquatic ecosystem if it enters the gills of fish ("Scientists Scared of Socks," 2008). 

                                  

So, while nanotechnology can be beneficial, it can also be detrimental to our environment. I think it's important that institutions continue to study nanotechnology, but it is essential to consider the ethical implications. 

"Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." Art.base. Art.base, 30 Apr. 2010. Web. 19 May 2015. <https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.

Gates, Sara. "Lycurgus Cup, Ancient Roman Artifact, Inspires Modern-Day Nanotechnology (VIDEO)." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 27 Aug. 2013. Web. 19 May 2015. <http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/27/lycurgus-cup-ancient-romans-nanotechnology_n_3818512.html>.

Gimzewski, James. "Nanotech for Artists Part 3." Desma 9. Web. 19 May 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-8-view?module_item_id=6472170>.

Merali, Zeeya. "This 1,600-Year-Old Goblet Shows That the Romans Were Nanotechnology Pioneers." Smithsonian. Smithsonian Institution, Sept. 2013. Web. 19 May 2015. <http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-1600-year-old-goblet-shows-that-the-romans-were-nanotechnology-pioneers-787224/?no-ist>.

O'Boyle, Shaun. "Visceral: Interview with Boo Chapple." Science Gallery. The University of Dublin, 24 Jan. 2011. Web. 19 May 2015. <https://dublin.sciencegallery.com/blog/2011/01/visceral-interview-boo-chapple>.

"Scientists Scared of Socks as Nanotechnology and Nanoparticles Become Common in Consumer Products." Scientists Scared of Socks as Nanotechnology and Nanoparticles Become Common in Consumer Products. AZO Network, 7 Apr. 2008. Web. 19 May 2015. <http://www.azonano.com/news.aspx?newsID=6212>.

"Silver Socks." Silver Gloves. TDS Healthcare, n.d. Web. 19 May 2015. <http://www.silvergloves.co.uk/healthcare-images/silver-socks/>.

"What Will Nanotechnology Mean to You?" O ECOTEXTILES. N.p., n.d. Web. 19 May 2015. <https://oecotextiles.wordpress.com/category/nanotechnology/>.

Event 1: Discovery Cube Orange County

For my first event, I went to Discovery Cube Orange County with a few classmates. The Discovery Cube Museum has many interactive exhibits that expose children and their families to science, art, and technology.  

   

My classmates and I posed for a picture with two Discovery Cube employees. 

I attended Bubblefest, an event which the museum hosts every year. During the show, bubble artist/scientist Deni Yeng entertained the crowd with a fun bubble and laser show. He used many tricks including blowing smoke bubbles, spinning the bubbles, and blowing mini bubbles within a giant bubble. The show was visually appealing yet scientific as he explained ways that science is incorporated into bubble-making.

Dani Yeng blows a smoke bubble into another bubble.
 Image courtesy of: http://www.sandytoesandpopsicles.com/orange-county/bubblefest-discovery-science-center/

Me at the Bubblefest

Yeng combined art and technology during the laser portion of the show. Thousands of bubbles were released as he danced to the music and moved with the lasers. I enjoyed seeing how a seemingly simple act of blowing bubbles could be made into a spectacular artistic show and combined with science. The performance allows attendees to experience bubbles in a different way than they are used to.  I would definitely recommend it to all ages! 

Image by Caryn Bailey
http://rockinmama.net/bubblefest-2013-at-the-discovery-science-center/

Image by Caryn Bailey
http://rockinmama.net/bubblefest-2013-at-the-discovery-science-center/

Most of the kids that I saw at the Discovery Center looked like they were having a lot of fun and I immediately thought of Ken Robinson's Divergent Thinking video. I think it would be beneficial to today's youth if more schools could incorporate hands-on teaching of science in the classrooms or even more field trips to museums. There is a big difference between reading about a concept in a book and getting to learn about it in an interactive way. With a different way of teaching, students may appreciate the arts and sciences more and might feel more inspired to creatively incorporate the two. 

Bailey, Caryn. "Bubblefest at the Discovery Science Center Merges Entertainment With Hands-On Learning - Rockin Mama™." Rockin Mama RSS2. N.p., 10 Apr. 2013. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://rockinmama.net/bubblefest-2013-at-the-discovery-science-center/>.

"Bubblefest - Discovery Cube OC." Discovery Cube OC RSS2. Discovery Science Foundation, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://www.discoverycube.org/oc/exhibits/bubblefest/>.

Garcia, Eugene. "Science Learning Bubbles up in Santa Ana." The Orange County Register. N.p., 29 Mar. 2013. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://www.ocregister.com/articles/bubbles-501865-science-year.html>.

Robinson, Ken. "RSA Animate - Changing Education Paradigms." YouTube. The RSA, 14 Oct. 2010. Web. 12 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDZFcDGpL4U>.

Neuroscience and Art

This week, we focused on the intersection of neuroscience and art. As a psychology major, I have always been fascinated with the abilities of the brain and learning more about human behavior. However, I never really thought of neuroscience being used with art until this week. 

In 1796, the German neuroanatomist Franz Joseph Gall invented the concept of phrenology. Phrenology involves the idea that mental functions are localized in specific areas of the brain. Gall examined the heads of multiple criminals and found that many of them had bumps on their skull around their ear. He proposed that the bumps on heads could be linked to a person's personality. The bumps around the criminals' ears, he suggested, could be linked with the likelihood to steal. Although phrenology was popular in the 1800s, we now know that it is a form a pseudoscience. However, according to the lecture by Mark Cohen, Gall's work can be considered an early form of brain mapping. Today, scientists use fMRIs to determine which parts of the brain are used during certain mental activities.

This is an example of a 19th century phrenological head.

Kanye West's stream of consciousness, according to creative artists at Column Five. 

The artist Suzanne Anker shows how neuroscience can be incorporated into modern art. In her projects MRI Butterfly and Butterfly in the Brain, she shows MRI images with an addition of a butterfly picture in the middle, creating beautiful artwork. Anker argues that the connections between art and science will continue to progress. “The molecular genetics revolution, advances in neuroscience, and sophisticated visualizing technologies...place the artist in a fertile mind-set for the 21st century. Science has spilled out of the laboratory and into our lives” (Goldsworthy).

Suzanne Anker's project MRI Butterfly.

Suzanne Anker's Butterfly in the Brain

Anker, Suzanne. "MRI Butterfly." YouTube. YouTube, 24 May 2011. Web. 12 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJlf5SB38pk>.

Cherry, Kendra. "Phrenology (Its History and Influence)." About Education. About.com, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://psychology.about.com/od/historyofpsychology/f/phrenology.htm>.

Cohen, Mark. "Lecture by Mark Cohen." Desma 9. Web. 12 May 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-7-view?module_item_id=6472164>.

Devlin, Hannah. "What Is Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI)?" Psych Central. Psych Central, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://psychcentral.com/lib/what-is-functional-magnetic-resonance-imaging-fmri/0001056>.

Goldsworthy, Rupert. "Spilling Out of the Laboratory: A Conversation with Suzanne Anker." The Online Magazine of Art and Ideas. Art Critical, 26 Apr. 2012. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://www.artcritical.com/2012/04/26/suzanne-anker/>.

Kihlstrom, John F. "Social-Cognitive Neuroscience." Foundations of Social Cognition. N.p., 3 Jan. 2009. Web. 12 May 2015. <https://bspace.berkeley.edu/access/content/group/2e4e4e6f-465d-4def-803e-d89a7a7e9cae/Lecture%20Supplements/SocNeuro/SocNeuro_supp.htm>.

Popova, Maria. "Inside the Mind of Kanye West: Typographic Phrenology." Brain Pickings RSS. Brain Pickings, n.d. Web. 12 May 2015. <http://www.brainpickings.org/2011/02/22/typographic-phrenology-of-kanye-west/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Neurocience and Art Lectures." Desma 9. Web. 11 May 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-7-view?module_item_id=6472164>.

BioTech + Art

The use of biotechnology with art has become highly controversial as artists modify living organisms. Ethical and social issues are brought up, especially the question of whether live animals should be used for art.

The artist George Gessert is known for creating hybrids of plants. He uses wild irises and discards the undesirable results. At his art installations, attendees get to make aesthetic decisions that will determine whether the plant lives or dies. However, some people become hostile because this process can be associated with Nazi Germany. Gessert acknowledges, “The traumas of the Holocaust and of the Eugenics movement are still with us, and I try to remember these wounds when I bring genetic issues into the galleries” (West).

                                                                                                      

The artist Orlan uses biotechnology in her art as well. She developed a coat made from pieces of skin from different races. The skin cells were made in colored petri dishes to signify cultural crossbreeding.

As part of her art, Marta de Menezes modified the wing patterns of live butterflies. To do this, she interfered with the development of the wing, which resulted in new pattern. “These wings are an example of something simultaneously natural, but resulting from human intervention” (De Menezes). Although she didn't change the genes of the butterflies, people were still upset because the wings ended up having holes in them. 

I think this is a perfect example of why people criticize the use of biotechnology in this way. If the genetic modification is not going to benefit humanity by advancing the medical field, then artists should limit what they do. I think there should be separate standards for artists who are manipulating living organisms than for scientists. But, to avoid restricting their creativity, artists could use a different media such as a video clip or a movie to share their art. They could film live animals and use editing programs to achieve their vision.  

De Menezes, Marta. "Nature?" Marta De Menezes. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://martademenezes.com/portfolio/projects/>.

King, Katie. "Examine: The Hybridization of Irises by George Gessert." Web log post. Digital Studio Project Development. N.p., 05 Sept. 2012. Web. 05 May 2015. <https://kingkati.wordpress.com/2012/09/05/examining-the-hybridization-of-irises-by-george-gessert/>.

"Marta De Menezes." - The Museum for Insects. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://www.hypernatural.com/museum/marta_de_menezes.html>.

"Orlan: Fine Arts, Artists." Orlan: Fine Arts, Artists. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://theredlist.com/wiki-2-351-382-1160-1163-view-france-profile-orlan-1.html>.

"Still, Living." Still, Living. Symbotica, n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://www.stillliving.symbiotica.uwa.edu.au/pages/artists/orlan.htm>.

Vesna, Victoria. "BioTech +Art Lectures." Desma 9. Web. 5 May 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-6-view?module_item_id=6472158>.

West, Ruth. "George Gessert: Genetics and Culture." George Gessert: Genetics and Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. 05 May 2015. <http://viewingspace.com/genetics_culture/pages_genetics_culture/gc_w02/gc_w02_gessert.htm>.

Art + Human Body & Medicine

This week we focused on how art can impact modern medicine. The Flemish anatomist Andreas Vesalius is credited as the first person to accurately describe the internal structures of the human body. His book De humani corporis fabrica (On the Fabric of the Human Body) greatly influenced modern medicine, including many current occupations. For example, a job that requires a combination of art, medicine, and technology is a medical illustrator. These highly skilled artists work closely with medical professionals to create 3-D models, drawings and animations of human body parts. These illustrations are used in medical textbooks, training videos, films, and pamphlets for patients. These graphics have helped expand the medical information available to the public and helps educate medical students.

A medical illustrator sketches during a surgery.

Another popular practice in today's society is plastic surgery, which began 4,000 years ago in India. It became popular in America during WWI, when it was used to fix facial injuries of the soldiers. When doing some research on plastic surgery, I was intrigued when I learned that shatterproof windshields exist due to the efforts of plastic surgeons, who were concerned about the high rates of facial abnormalities after car accidents. By meeting with representatives from the automobile industry, physicians helped improve the design and safety of cars. 

Today, many people without medical problems choose to get plastic surgery to help them enhance their features or change a part of their body that they do not like. Some people may have unrealistic expectations and have surgery in order to look like celebrities.

Kim Kardashian is an example of a celebrity who has had some work done to her face.

The French performance artist Orlan uses plastic surgery to challenge society's beauty standards. During her filmed surgeries, poetry and philosophical texts are read. She strives to get people to engage in a debate about the ethical dilemmas posed by modifying the body using modern technology and medicine.

Here is Orlan during one of her performances.

Some people may have a negative view of plastic surgery because they tend to associate it with those who are trying to conform to society's beauty standards. However, I think it is important to remember that it is also used to help those with conditions such as cleft palates, burns, and for reconstruction of the breasts after a mastectomy.

Cook, Elizabeth. "Orlan's Surgeries." Orlan's Surgeries. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <http://oldsite.english.ucsb.edu/faculty/ecook/courses/eng114em/surgeries.htm>.

"ExploreHealthCareers.org." Medical Illustrator / Animator. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <http://explorehealthcareers.org/en/Career/87/Medical_Illustrator>.

Haller, Christina. "Should You Go under the Knife?" SheKnows. SheKnows, 29 Oct. 2013. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <http://www.sheknows.com/beauty-and-style/articles/1015441/the-pros-and-cons-of-plastic-surgery>.

"History of Plastic Surgery." History of Plastic Surgery. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <http://www.plasticsurgery.org/articles-and-videos/history-of-plastic-surgery.html>.

"Learn About Medical Illustration." AMI. Association of Medical Illustrators, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <http://ami.org/medical-illustration/learn-about-medical-illustration>.

"Richmond Man’s Contribution to Medical Research Could Change Lives." WRIC. ABC, 16 July 2014. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <http://wric.com/2014/07/16/richmond-mans-contribution-to-medical-research-could-change-lives/#.U8cx-5J6yOw.facebook>.

"TheCount.com." TheCount. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2015. <http://thecount.com/2013/03/11/kim-kardashians-bloody-facial/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Medicine+Technology+Art Lectures." Desma 9. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-4-view?module_item_id=6472150>.

Robotics and Art

Industrialization has changed American society. From the invention of the printing press to Henry Ford's assembly line technique, mass production increased the availability of goods, art, and knowledge to the middle class. As a result, society began to rely more on technology. Robots are currently developed all over the world to perform a variety of beneficial functions.

Professor Kusahara's lecture on Japanese robotics demonstrated the cultural differences between Japan and the United States, specifically, the way the robots are perceived. In Japan, robots are often small and made in the form of children, so that people won't be afraid of them. In contrast, some Americans view robots as scary and a threat to human intelligence. The Transformers movies provide an example of how robots are a part of Western culture. It also shows that while technology has the potential to hurt us, it can also help us.

Optimus Prime, one of the many robots from the Transformers movies. 

Art and robotics are integrated with the creation of realistic-looking robots. Engineers are able to use art in their work to make the robots appear less like objects and more like humans. Similarly, David Hanson's Ted talk shows how robots are now able to mimic how humans are feeling. The goal is for robots to eventually empathize with humans. If scientists are able to achieve this, I believe that people will not feel threatened by robots and will see them as useful to society.

The video above features an android developed by Hiroshi Ishiguro. It is able to mimic the facial expressions of humans!

Humanity has greatly benefitted from the use of robotics. Modern robots are able to vacuum floors, take care of elderly people, and help rescue survivors of a disaster. According to the German philosopher Walter Benjamin, “Technical reproduction can put the copy of the original into situations which would be out of reach for the original itself” (Benjamin, 1936). Advancements in robotics allow disabled people to experience things that they aren't able to do on their own. For example, an art museum in San Francisco currently has two robots that can be accessed by people unable to attend the site in person. In the video below, a quadriplegic man is able to take a tour of the museum by controlling the robot from his home.

I believe that robotics can continue to benefit society, and as long as we don't rely on them to completely replace the jobs that humans do, we shouldn't worry about robots taking over the world in a negative way. 

Benjamin, Walter. "The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction." (1936). Desma 9. Web. 18 Apr. 2015.
<https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-3-agenda?module_item_id=6472143>.

"The Creepiest, Most Realistic Robot Ever." Fox News. FOX News Network, 07 Mar. 2011. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http://www.foxnews.com/tech/2011/03/07/creepiest-realistic-robot/>.

Hanson, David. "Robots that "show emotion". TED, Feb. 2009. Web. 18 

Apr. 2015. <http://www.ted.com/talks/david_hanson_robots_that_relate_to_you>

Kusahara, Machiko. "Professor Machiko Kusahara on Japanese Robotics." Desma 9. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-3-view?module_item_id=6472144>.

Motes, Jason. "Optimus Prime Got A Makeover For ‘Transformers: Age Of Extinction’." ScienceFictioncom RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http://sciencefiction.com/2013/11/26/optimus-prime-got-makeover-transformers-age-extinction/>.

"Robots Open up the World of Art." CBSNews. CBS Interactive, 1 Mar. 2015. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/robots-open-up-the-world-of-art/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics + Art Lecture." Desma 9. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-3-view?module_item_id=6472144>.

Art and Mathematics

Before this week, I didn't really think that art and mathematics were related because they seem like such different concepts. However, after doing the reading and watching the lecture, I now realize how wrong I was. Mathematics has greatly influenced art and science.

One example that Professor Vesna discussed in lecture was drawing a face. In addition to providing attention to detail, an artist must make sure that there is an equal distance between the eyes and that the placement between facial features is realistic. When I would draw a face as a young child, I would incorrectly put the eyes toward the top of the head. However, if you look at a face drawn in proportion, the eyes are closer to the middle of the head, leaving enough space for the forehead. Artists can divide the head into shapes or lines before drawing the facial features to ensure the proportions are correct. 

 

   When math is used in art, the drawing of a face becomes more accurate. 

One of the main connections between math and art is the Golden ratio, which is approximately 1.618. In a Golden ratio, a line is divided into two parts such that the long part divided by the small part is equal to the whole line divided by the longer part. This ratio has appeared in art and architecture throughout history, including the Parthenon in Athens and the Pyramids of Giza. The ratio shows how math can help make art aesthetically pleasing.

The Golden ratio

The Golden ratio in the Parthenon

The Golden ratio also appears in nature, in the form of a Fibonacci sequence. The spiral can be seen in hurricanes, galaxies, flowers, shells, and pinecones. The inner part of the flower below forms a spiraling sequence. To learn more about Fibonacci sequences, click the link here: http://www.livescience.com/37470-fibonacci-sequence.html

This flower provides evidence of mathematical sequences in nature.

I was fascinated by Robert Lang's video about the math involved in origami. Using math to calculate crease patterns, artists are able to shape paper into any object they desire. The math involved in origami has even helped change science. For example, using an origami pattern, scientists have developed a heart stent that is small when it goes through the blood vessels, but is able to expand in order to hold open a blocked artery. I would have never thought that origami could assist scientists in the field of medicine, so I find this insight very interesting! It provides more evidence that there is an intersection between math, art, and science.  I hope that scientists, mathematicians, and artists can continue to work together to develop new ways to fix crucial problems. 

Clancey, Benjamin. "Half-Face Drawing." TwentyFirst Century Art and Design. N.p., 27 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. <http://benjaminclancy.com/visual-art/drawing/half-face-drawing/>.

"Cool Kids Drawings Inspiring Creativity While Having Fun." Cool Kids Drawings Inspiring Creativity While Having Fun. N.p., n.d. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. <http://www.drawing-pencil-sketches.com/kids-drawings.html>.

Hague, Matthew. "In Search of the Golden Ratio in Architecture." The Globe and Mail. N.p., 13 Aug. 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/life/home-and-garden/architecture/in-search-of-the-golden-ratio-in-architecture/article20040240/>.

Hom, Elaine J. "What Is the Golden Ratio?" LiveScience. TechMedia Network, 24 June 2013. Web. 10 Apr. 2015. <http://www.livescience.com/37704-phi-golden-ratio.html>.

"The Math and Magic of Origami." Robert Lang: The Math and Magic of Oragami. TED, 2008. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. <http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_lang_folds_way_new_origami#t-34142>.

N.p., n.d. Web. <https%3A%2F%2Fsavoiaonline.files.wordpress.com%2F2012%2F05%2F4_pink-daisy-img_assist_custom-600x595.jpg%3Fw%3D640>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Math + Art Lecture." Desma 9. Web. 10 Apr. 2-15. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-2-view?module_item_id=6472138>.

Two Cultures

In 1959, Charles Percy Snow, an English author and physicist, talked abut the division of art and science that emerged during industrialization. He acknowledged that it exists all over the world.

Similarly, UCLA can be divided into North Campus (Humanities and Arts) and South Campus (Sciences and Math). Students often take classes within a specific campus and don't always get to spend a lot of time in the other part of the university. However, I partially disagree with Snow's assertion that universities are to blame for the separation of art and science.  College general education requirements allow students to be exposed to a variety of subjects, including the humanities and sciences during their undergraduate studies.

Personally, I do not feel connected to one campus more than the other here at UCLA because I have had to take both science and humanities classes as a psychology major. In cognitive psychology, art is used to help us understand the way our brain interprets sensory information. Illusions provide an example of how the brain can create false perceptions of reality.  

It's true – these circles are not actually moving!  

However, we have previously been taught that everyone has a dominant hemisphere of their brain. If a person is good at science, their left brain is thought to be dominant. If someone is creative and artistic, their right brain is said to be dominant. Like Professor Vesna said in lecture, this is incorrect. Researchers have found that people use both sides of their brains equally and the two hemispheres work together.
You can read more about it here: http://www.lamag.com/wellbeing/two-minds/.

Even though I see examples of the combination of art and science in my daily life, I agree with Stephen Wilson who argued that the two cultures need to expand and become more integrated. Just as the two different hemispheres of our brain communicate with each other, scientists and artists should collaborate more often. Knowledge from both cultures can help develop new ideas and enhance the way we think.

Angelozzi, Claire. "La Rue En 3 Dimensions Selon Edgar Mueller."Street Art Magazine. N.p., 03 Nov. 2012. Web. 04 Apr. 2015. <https://instreetart.wordpress.com/2012/11/03/la-rue-en-3-dimensions-selon-edgar-mueller/>.

Beck, Zach. "Cat Reacts to Optical Illusion - MainFRAME Review."MainFRAME Review. N.p., 11 Mar. 2013. Web. 02 Apr. 2015. <http://mainframereview.com/cat-reacts-to-optical-illusion/>.

Goldman, Jason G. "Right Brained, Wrong Brained: How Caltech Neuroscience Became a Buzzfeed Quiz."Los Angeles Magazine. N.p., 09 Feb. 2015. Web. 02 Apr. 2015. <http://www.lamag.com/wellbeing/two-minds/>.

Miller, John. "The Art and Science of Content Creation." Web log post. The Art and Science of Content Creation. N.p., 13 May 2013. Web. 02 Apr. 2015. <http://www.scribewise.com/blog/bid/281900/The-Art-and-Science-of-Content-Creation>.

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

"Tag Archives: Right Brain."NeuroBollocks. N.p., 22 May 2013. Web. 03 Apr. 2015. <https://neurobollocks.wordpress.com/tag/right-brain/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Lecture Part II."Two Cultures Lectures. Web. 02 Apr. 2015. <https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/346337/pages/unit-1-view?module_item_id=6472132>.

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