Event 3

As for my last event, I visited a location where artistic displays were free to access. This time around, I visited our own backyard, UCLA's sculpture garden. While not often visited by a majority of students, the sculptures in the garden are all important artistic pieces in their own right. In fact, the sculpture garden is an extension of Hammer museum, indicating the significance of the works displayed there.

I have been consistently intrigued by the mathematics behind my art.  I must confess that I have always thought art to be "abstract" and perhaps even "formless". However, with concepts of ratios and calculations that were explained by Dr. Vesna, I can now focus on the mathematical angles and lines in the artwork that I see.

For this particular artwork, T.E. UCLA, the way the steel pieces are bent seems almost as complex and beautiful as a calculus parabolic graph. Not only is the shape intriguingly beautiful, but the choice of material (weathered steel) shows the depth of artistic thought placed into the making of this project.

What makes this sculpture truly worthwhile is the "open space" that people can enter. When you are in the middle of the sculpture, it is as if you can feel the metallic embrace of the structure. Perhaps, I can even say I feel "at peace" or "protected".

Therefore, I feel like for students who haven't visited this particular structure, I highly encourage them to do so. It is an unique experience that all UCLA student should enjoy at least once. Perhaps after finals week or even during the hectic chaos of finals, students can come here to feel the same "peace" I felt. This sculpture definitely allowed me to enjoy the math behind art and I wish my peers could feel the same way as well.

Event 2: San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art

I paid a visit to the San Diego Museum of Contemporary Art last weekend, and luckily Korean sculptor and installation artist Do Ho Suh was having his solo exhibition. Through his works, Suh challenges common conception for space and boundaries. He’s best known for intricate sculptures that defy conventional notions of scale and site-specificity. 

The museum displayed his Specimen Series. Suh replicated appliances and fixtures from his NYC apartment in translucent colored fabric. Installed in illuminated vitrines, these ordinary objects glow from within, appearing luminous, alien, and captured for study. 

I was mesmerized by this installation. How was he able to produce such a big piece of fabric that manages to hold itself together? Yet the attention to detail is incredible; toilets, ventilation pipes, lights, and even doorknobs all resemble real life objects, except made in fabric.  

This exhibition shows Do Ho Suh’s careful planning of the dimension and aesthetics of the piece strengthens my understanding of the connection between art and science. Do Ho Suh obviously has the ability in art to create aesthetically pleasing installations and sculptors, but if he hadn’t carefully chosen his materials and did the math, this big piece of fabric, although enforced by thin wire, wouldn’t have been able to support itself. 

Art and Medical Technology (WEEK 4 BLOG)

Art and Medical Technology (WEEK 4 BLOG)

Initially, art and medicine may not appear to be related to one another at all. However, after this week's lecture about the creation and development of the MRI, the origins of plastic surgery, and Ingber's discovery about the architecture of life, Professor Vesna convinced me of the overwhelming presence of art in medicine. 

To me, the technological leap that humans have made from human dissections to the MRI really astounds me. We normally do not stop to think of all the complicated metabolic processes that allow humans to breathe or eat, or how a MRI machine works; we take it for granted. However, the MRI does not have to do with science and medicine alone; it is also a form of art. Silvia Cassini's paper about the MRI really brought my attention to the relationship between medicine, technology and art. I agree with how he states that the MRI has the same "look" that a portrait has; it has the capacity to be performative, and using the MRI actually takes quite a bit of artistic skills. It seems that medicine and technology has opened up many possibilities to create art. Below are a few examples of the use of MRI to make art: 

Or, if you check out this website, you will see many examples of MRI and art: http://www.radiologyart.com/

On the other hand, I had never thought about plastic surgery as an "art"; merely a procedure to enhance one's appearance for future selfish career goals (Michael Jackson and many K-pop stars). Therefore, it stunned me to learn that plastic surgery actually originated 4000 years ago, and has since developed, until recently, as a way to "give form to" brave and scarred soldiers coming back from war. Before today's cutting edge technology in medicine, I could only imagine the challenges that injured soldiers returning from war would have to face in their every day lives. With the development of prosthetics and plastic surgery, however, soldiers can be skillfully "recreated" and can acclimate back to society. 

It is quite exciting to imagine the development of art, science, and technology in the future. I feel that only now, humans are beginning to discover the relationship between art and medicine/technnology. We can now alter our bodily image in so many ways, and we can also see, down to the microscopic level, of all our cells. For instance, Ingber in his "Architecture of Life" paper proves that the universal set of building rules based on tensegrity architecture guides the design of the organic structure. In other words, this kind of architecture forms the basis of everything, even things we cannot see cells. Shown below is the comparison of the brain cell and the universe, and how similar they are.

I had never stopped to think about the relationship between art and science. Now that I think about it, this week's lesson has taught me the close relationship between science, technology, and art, and how the advancement of one will open infinite possibilities for other fields. 

Citations:

Casini, Silvia. “Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) as Mirror and Portrait: MRI
Configurations Between Science and Arts.” The John Hopkins University Press
and the Society for Literature and Science. (2011): 19:73-99. PDF File.

Furness, Hannah. "Pioneering plastic surgery records from First World War published." The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group, 13 July 2012. Web. 27 Oct. 2013. <http://www.telegraph.co.uk/history/9396435/Pioneering-plastic-surgery-records-from-First-World-War-published.html>.

Miller, Mark. Brain Structure Mirrors the Universe. 2007. Virgo Consortium for Cosmological Supercomputer Simulations, Brandeis. Exohuman. Web. 13 Aug. 2008.

"Radiology Art: x-ray art." Radiology Art: x-ray art. N.p., n.d. Web. 17 Oct. 2010. <http://www.radiologyart.com/>.

Vesna, Victoria. “Lecture 1.” Youtube. 22 Apr. 2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep0M2bOM9Tk>

Vesna, Victoria. “Lecture 2.” Youtube. 22 Apr. 2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psjnQarHOqQ>

Vesna, Victoria. “Lecture 3.” Youtube. 22 Apr. 2012. Web. 24 Oct. 2013.
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIX-9mXd3Y4>

Space+Art

Space+Art

Space and Art, which is this week's topic, made it quite easy for me to understand the relationship between space and art comparing to other topics that we have discussed before. As Professor Vesna states during the lecture, this topic connects all robot, technology, nanotechnology, and biotechnology into one lecture. The future of space technology has always captivated me, since it was only one hundred years ago that the Wright brothers made flight possible for humans. It is quite amazing how technology has allowed men to traverse previously unexplored boundaries, and at such a fast rate too! 

Wright Brother's First Airplane

Not only has space technology intrigued scientists, but also artists as well, resulting in many works of art, such as the movie E.T. and the Dancing on the Ceiling exhibition. In the movie E.T, artists and scientists alike use their great imaginations and minds to create a story that chronicles the journey of a boy who helps an alien go back home. Watching E.T. no doubt inspired me to become a scientist as a child, and hopefully the movie will continue to inspire many more minds in the future to revolutionize space travel. The thought of space travel becoming a reality is so exciting; space travel has definitely gotten more and more plausible. I can only hope that in the future that I personally will be able to experience space travel. It is due to scientists and artists who have incorporated the creativity of TV/film into works of art that have no doubt propelled space technology itself. 

E.T. Film (1982)

Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity held by EMPAC also embodies artist's and scientist's interest in space, specifically gravity. It is an exhibition in which "contemporary artists explore the condition of weightlessness on earth."In other words, by violating all the traditional artwork that follows the physics of gravity, all the artwork in the exhibition will bring all viewers to a weightless world. This piece of artwork really shows how artists often use science to inspire and formulate new ideas about their projects. 

Dancing On the Ceiling:Art and Zero Gravity

From the examples of E.T. and the exhibition above, we can see that the space age that we are currently living in has fostered so much imagination and creativity. It has virtually allowed for boundless possibilities, and demonstrates how art and space complement each other. A fitting end to the course, I really cannot wait to see how art and space can be even more intertwined in the future. 

 Citations:

“Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity at EMPAC.” Art & Education. N.p.. Web. 30 Nov 2013. <http://www.artandeducation.net/announcement/dancing-on-the-ceiling-art-zero-gravity-at-empac/>.

Goldstein. E.T: The Extra-Terrestial. 1982. New York Film Institute, New York. Derek Winnert. Web. 1 Dec. 2013.

NASA. Parts of An Aircraft. 2007. Glenn Research Center, Houston. NASA. Web. 1 Dec. 2013.

Vesna , Victoria, dir. Space Part 1. 2012. Film. 30 Nov 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=2O5C0Iv6ROo#>  

Vesna , Victoria, dir. Space Part 5. 2012. Film. 30 Nov 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=WnSUHMXBmdg#>

Even though I am aware of the boundless applications of nanotechnology to medicine, I was quite astonished to find out that nanotechnology has also led to advancements in art, as seen in the Nano-Scape. 

A beautiful image of California Nanosystems Technology(CNSI) is shown above, and it is home to many of the world's strongest and modern microscopes, including the STEM, cryo-EM, cryo-ET, and AFM microscopes. A link of the Titan Krios microscope constructed by FEI in CNSI and assembled by my research advisor: http://www.eicn.ucla.edu/titanbuildup. 

Massive advancements in medicine has allowed for for massive growth in nanotechnology. One such application can be seen in the research of how nanotechnology from diesel exhaust and damage lung airway cells. As diesel exhaust particles, a major part of urban smog, deliver organic chemicals onto the cilia on our lungs, researching ways to combat this growing problem, especially in suburban areas, could greatly benefit humans. This finding could eventually lead to new therapies for people susceptible to the disease. Shown below are the diesel exhaust particles, consisted of a carbon core and coated with organic chemicals and metals.

On the other hand, nanotechnology has also paved the way for advancements in art. Through the process of microscopic manipulations, the Nano-Scape, shown below, allows people to experience the nano-world touch by utilizing magnetics. The magnetic field creates constantly shifting forces, which is stimulated by movements from the user's hands that cause all the atoms in the array to interact in a constant readjustment of their proximity to one another. This constant movement allows for users of the Nano-Scape to create an ever "changing invisible sculpture."

Nano-Scape

Professor Gimzewski notes in this week's lecture that one of the most impactful ways of using nanotechnology is through medicine. I agree wholeheartedly with this statement, as most of the time with our bodies, we don't know something is actually wrong with our bodies until we go to the doctor. But at the same time, using nanotechnology for art also allows us to experience art in another dimension and at another scale. 

Citations:

Dawkins, Urszula. "realtime 96." RealTime Arts. N.p., 30 May 2010. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.realtimearts.net/article/96/9816>.

Feinknopf, Brad. Suspended Walkways at CNSI. 2007. Vinoly's CNSI, University of Los Angeles California. The Architect's Newspaper. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

"Findings on Pollution Damage to Human Airways Could Yield Novel Therapies." - DukeHealth.org. Duke University, 18 Jan. 2011. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. 

<http://www.dukehealth.org/health_library/news/findings-on-pollution-damage-to-human-airways-could-yield-novel-therapies?utm_source=dukehealth.org&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=RSS_news>.

"Nanotech Jim pt1." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE>.

Sommerer, Christa . Nano-Scape. 2010. John Curtin Gallery, Australia. Art in the Age of NanoTechnology. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

Zhou, Hong. "The building of the Titan Krios | Electron Imaging Center for Nanomachines." The building of the Titan Krios | Electron Imaging Center for Nanomachines. N.p., 10 Aug. 2006. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.eicn.ucla.edu/titanbuildup>.

This week's topic explored Neuroscience and Art, and how scientists have developed neuroscience by exploring the unconscious and the conscious. I have now become even more aware of the effects that the world around us has on our consciousness and brain activity. Hallucinogenic drugs or graphic movies demonstrates how our mind is capable of such fascinating extraordinary things. 

Our Human Brain

Physicist Roger Penrose once stated, "Compared to the complexity of the brain, a galaxy is just an inert lump."The comparison of the galaxy to our brain is pictured left. Even today, humans have yet to map out exactly how the brain works. This touches upon the concept of phrenology, which is based on finding out about personality through analysis of skull shape. Professor Vesna states that it was believed that each portion of the brain controlled a certain specific skill one was exceptional at. Her statement really interested me the most, because I believe that it definitely makes sense when looking at people's abilities in general. Below a phrenology model is shown: 


Our brain's ability to react in unusual ways when we see, hear, taste, or feel things that frighten us is depicted in the Amygadaloid's music video. Even though our brain merely adapted these instincts for survival, it is truly remarkable how our neurons can create such vivid emotions in our brain and react by warning us of possible danger. The Amygdaloids's passion for music and neuroscience at the same time really demonstrates to us the complexity of the human brain. 


Lastly, when dealing with drugs such as LSD or cocaine, scientists have recently mapped out the alteration in the chemistry of our brains when taking LSD or cocaine. These drugs can create vibrant colors and objects that actually do not exist in reality, and can enhance or embellish our perception of life simply by changing the chemical make up of our brains. I believe that this is an instance when science and art crosses paths, and below is an image of how a drug affects our brains and neurons: 

I believe that this weeks' topic is so important to us because we use our brain every single second of the day, even when we sleep. Our brains control every motion we make and also every thought we think. The application of art to neuroscience can be expressed in so many ways, from brainbow to phrenology, or even incorporating drugs to create a psychadelic experience. We are now only beginning to understand the psychological implications of many of these things on a scientific level. I am looking to future studies, which may start new forms of art in this field.



Citations: 

Brain On Drugs. N.d. Photograph. Brain On Drugs. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. <https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5FyDVSBTGW-ikqx81DTdVC7D-BKdEUIax6y8jtVAn_Bhuz7MfLsR1j_dRpeDQQRI_z4Q4KKF_WrqWkZyC-zM5xBXinFd2J7D2Dp8sQJ0Z5AbJMwI8Ts3U7Zsycr2G8ndXU6FC43XEioNJ/s1600/BrainOnDrugs.jpg>.

Lienhard, John H. "No. 2148 American Phrenology." Engines of Our Ingenuity. N.p., n.d. Web. 16 Nov. 2013. <http://www.uh.edu/engines/epi2148.htm>.

Neuron. N.d. Photograph. Creative Biology. Web. 14 Nov. 2013. <http://creativebiology.blogspot.com/2010/02/neurons-and-on-being-science-nrrd.html>.

"The Daily Galaxy --Great Discoveries Channel: Sci, Space, Tech." 'The Daily Galaxy --Great Discoveries Channel: Sci, Space, Tech'. Leverhulme Trust, 15 May 2013. Web. 18 Nov. 2013. 
<http://www.dailygalaxy.com/my_weblog/2013/05/more-complex-than-a-galaxy-new-insights-into-the-human-brain.html>.

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. Neuroscience and Art Lecture. UCLA Online. Web.

This week's lecture really taught me how biotechnology can not only be used for stem cells in medicine, but also a form of human expression. While the lecture really allowed me to explore something I had never thought of before, I also felt quite uncomfortable and disturbed at some of the images of bioart. This included Stelarc's Third Ear, which consisted of a full sized human ear inserted in his left arm as an implant. 

Stelarc, a legendary Australian performance artist, used a skin expander to create excess skin on his left forearm. His Arm in Ear Project began in 2006, and since then, he is still perfecting the shape using stem cells and surgery to make the ear more prominent. 

 Pictures from the procedure can be seen above. Seeing Stelarc's arm really grossed me out, and left me wondering what was the motivation behind this artistic expression. Upon learning that his motivation was to suggest an improved human being, I really started to question whether or not this type of artistic expression was even justified.

However, other examples such as the Revival Field really sparked my interest in this field.

The Revival Field began as a conceptual artwork with the intent to sculpt a site's ecology, in order to promote greater social awareness and responsibility. Mel Chin's work led him to collaborate with scientists and government agencies in order to create natural work that transcends traditional sculpture. I feel like this project really materialized science, technology, and art, while not adhering to the traditional object of making art.

In summary, I believe that most of my disturbance at this week's lecture came from its motivation. I believe that life itself is a valid expressive medium, but at the same time, we have to balance ethical standards and practices with scientific and artistic values. If the art's motivation is to purely invoke thought and wonder, like the Third Ear, I feel like the art is unjustified. On the other hand, if the artwork is motivated by empathy and a greater sense of common good, the art is definitely more justifiable. I also believe that there should be limits to human creativity. Although people have their own rights to decide what to do with their bodies, seeing a human ear in one's arm does not sound like art to me.

Citations:

"Regulating Biotechnology: At the Interface between Science And Ethics." Ethics Technology and Society. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. <http://ethicstechnologyandsociety.wordpress.com/2013/04/25/regulating-biotechnology-at-the-interface-between-science-and-ethics/>.

"Stelarc’s Third Ear." Street Anatomy. N.p., 4 Nov. 2007. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. <http://streetanatomy.com/2012/06/27/stelarcs-third-ear/>.

Sellers, Nina. Stelarc's Third Ear. 226. Museum of Natural Art, Australia. Street Anatomy. Web. 8 Nov. 2013.

Stelarc. "Stelarc // Ear on Arm." Stelarc.org. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.

Summers. http://blogs.walkerart.org/visualarts/files/2008/03/revival-field-1991-943.jpg. 2008. Walker Art Center, Minnesota. Walker Art Center. Web. 10 Nov. 2013.

Vesna, Victoria. "5 Bioart Pt1." YouTube. YouTube, 18 Sept. 2013. Web. 10 Nov. 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg>.