The event I attended was truly strange: Vivan Sundaram's Making Strange: Gagawaka + Postmortem. Gagawaka featured recycled hospital materials transformed into interesting outfits. Postmortem highlighted different anatomic human structure. This reminded me of Art + MedTech: Sundaram recreated art from human body parts and used bandages or recycled x-ray films. This daunting idea underlines the closing gap between art and science.
Melinda Leung Desma 9
Friday, June 12, 2015
Event 5 Fowler Museum
UCLA is blessed to house museums on campus. Fowler Museum reminds me that in the midst of all my academic classes, I should take time to smell the roses and appreciate art.
Event 4 LACMA
My
friends are in another class required to attend LACMA and observe ancient
writing on artifacts (which surprisingly encompasses a lot more complexity than
I expected). I decided it was the perfect opportunity to do a joint trip and
head to Los Angeles’s famed LACMA together.
LACMA
features the most bizarre arrangement of lampposts I have ever seen. It forms a
perfect rectangle yet it is weirdly beautiful. It is truly a work of art.
At
LACMA, I visited the James Turrel-Breathing Light exhibition. Involving art,
mathematics, architecture, and science, this exhibition eliminates the viewer’s
depth perception. Everything feels limitless and weirdly bizarre. This
disorientation made me greater appreciate my ability to judge depth and
distinguish how far away objects are.
Saturday, May 30, 2015
Week 9 Space + Art
Treasure Island by Walt Disney |
Ever
since I was little, I was always fascinated by space. The ceiling of my bedroom
is plastered with glow in-the-dark star stickers. I was a huge fan of movies
like Treasure Planet and my dad
always encouraged me to watch space documentaries like Space Station and Apollo 13.
Therefore I always imagined space to be filled with endless possibilities.
From
these movies, I always strictly connected space with science. However, this
course has over and over again proved that most aspects in life are connected
with science and art. While mathematical space composes of the elements or
points in this infinite field, artistic space is the organization or
rearrangement of space. (1) American artist Frank Stella went even further to
state that “the aim of art is to create space — space that is not compromised
by decoration or illustration, space within which the subjects of painting can
live.” (2)
Although
that space isn’t exactly the space we associate with outer space, I, nonetheless,
believe it is still important to understand. From the Powers of Ten video (3),
it made me realize exactly how small and how large adding an extra zero does to
something. It put into perspective that literally everything is space. Space is
honestly infinite and we see this as we continually zoom out into 10^20, 10^21,
10^22, etc. Therefore, it is not surprising that the ideas we have associated
to space is also infinite and incredible. Intergalactic movies, like Star Trek, Spaceballs, and Starship Trooper, have ran rampant with
space technology and ideas. (4) Artists like Shepard Fairey even send their
artwork into space to hopefully connect with intergalactic organisms and mark their achievements. (5)
Apollo 11 Mission Patch (via NASA) |
Apollo 17 Patch Designed by Robert McCall (via NASA) |
Skylab 1 Patch Designed by Frank Kelly Freas |
Citations:
1.
Tyler, Christopher. “The Concept of Space in Twentieth Century Art.” <https://www.ski.org/CWTyler_lab/CWTyler/Art%20Investigations/C20th_Space/C20thSpace.html>
2.
“Frank Stela” The Art Story <http://www.theartstory.org/artist-stella-frank.htm>
3.
Eames, Charles and Ray. “Powers of Ten” video. Eames Office. 1977. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=25&v=0fKBhvDjuy0>
4.
Hickman, Matt. “18 Space Movies Everyone Should See” Mother Nature Network. Jun 24, 2013. <http://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/arts-culture/stories/18-space-movies-that-everyone-should-see>
5.
Meier, Allison. “5 Artists Who’ve Sent Their Work Into Outer Space.” Salon. Mar 23, 2013
<http://www.salon.com/2013/03/23/five_artists_whove_sent_mission_patches_into_space_partner/>
Event 1, 2 &3 - San Francisco Museum visits: De Young Museum, California Academy of Arts and Sciences, and SF SOMA exhibit + More
Over
this Memorial Day weekend, I flew back home to San Francisco and made a trip to
Golden Gate Park. Golden Gate Park is home to dozens of attractions like the Botanical
Gardens, the Japanese Tea Garden, and the Amphitheater. Scattered throughout
the park is beautiful statues, some even moved from SF SOMA (which is currently
being remodeled). During this trip, I paid a visit to two famous Museums, the
DeYoung Museum and California Academy of Arts and Sciences, as well as other
attractions.
Event #1:
De Young Museum
The
overall structure of DeYoung Museum is extremely interesting. Its tallest
structure looks like an inverted triangle, involving the use of the Golden Ratio
and mathematical measurements to ensure the building’s survival during an
earthquake. The entire building is made of copper — therefore, when it oxidizes,
it will turn green and blend in with the trees surrounding it. This clever use
of chemistry ensures long term aesthetic appeal.
My
favorite part of the Museum is somewhat hidden. It is on the 9th floor
observatory deck, known as the Nancy B. and Jake L. Hamon Tower. In the picture
above, it is the very top floor of the inverted triangle. From the Tower, you
get a 360˚ view of San Francisco. The view is astonishing and the architecture
is marvelous.
Untitled, ca 1955-1959 Copper Wire Gift of the Artist 2005.90.2 |
If
you are an abstract or American art enthusiast, I highly recommend the DeYoung
Museum. It features many unusual artworks with twisted shapes. The following
statues are from Ruth Asawa, a San Franciscan native. This overall reminds me
of neural networks. Their floating, biomorphic nature evokes organic beauty and
the intricacy of the natural world. Their complexity cleverly captures light,
creating shifting shadows and dancing lines in the space outside the structure.
I am quite impressed that fine copper wires can transform into something this
beautiful.
Event #2 California Academy of Arts and Science
I
remember when the California Academy of Arts and Sciences reopened in 2008 and
people from around the world lined up around Golden Gate Park to enter one of
the largest museums in the world; the entire Amphitheater in the picture below
was filled with people. This weekend, the line was nowhere nearly as long, but
nonetheless, the exhibits did not fail to impress.
First,
I would definitely recommend the Academy of Arts and Sciences to everyone. Like
C.P. Snow would agree, it is definitely the best of two cultures; its name
itself already unites the arts and sciences. Therefore, it will cater to many
people’s interests. From the underwater fish exhibits and touching the sea
creatures to admiring the large planetarium, it would take hours to thoroughly enjoy
every exhibit. As a huge animal lover, my favorite, without a doubt, is the
animal exhibits. Although everyone comes for the albino alligator, Claude, I
enjoyed watching Lemondrop.
Lemondrop,
a lavender albino reticulated python, belongs to the constrictor family. It
coils around their prey until its breathing stops, and swallows it whole. The
record meal for these reticulated python was a 51 pound Malayan sun bear that
took nearly 10 weeks for the snake to digest. It is interesting to
study Lemondrop’s genetics: Lemondrop lacks a pigment called melanin that
results in albinism. Therefore it would struggle in the wild. Biotechnology
could actually alter these genes by either turning the pigment on or off. It is
extremely rare for it to be found alive in nature, but under extensive care, it
could thrive in a sheltered home.
My height compared to the 15ft long Lemondrop |
Event #3 SF MOMA + Little Gems Hidden in Golden Gate Park
San
Francisco Museum of Modern Art is currently closed for expansion. However, it is
currently launching its On the Go programming, with exhibits scattered across
San Francisco and educational events on selected dates.
SF MOMA located near Yerba Buena prior its reconstruction. (Photo from www.cntraveller.com) |
Personally,
I am not the hugest fan of modern art, but if you are, I highly recommend
attending MOMA when it reopens early 2016. The exhibit I saw was relocated from
the Moscone Center near Yerba Buena to the front of De Young Museum.
Untitled (Three Dancing Figures), 1989 Keith Haring |
Keith
Haring was a political artist who expressed his concepts of birth, death,
sexuality and war through graffiti and contemporary art. His sculpture uses
bold and contrasting color, with each figure connecting with one another at
jarring positions. Although this greatly differs from my taste of art, it does
have a weird feature to it. Haring enjoyed creating raunchy-dancing figures,
crawling babies, and squiggly lines. His artwork reminded me of the ones I saw
during the robotics week. Although it is unusual, it does get his point across —
he clearly is not pleased with the political system and wants to show its
horror in an eerie manner.
Lastly,
as I exited Golden Gate Park, I ventured through the Botanical Gardens. This
garden is the perfect location for picnics next to gorgeous flowers, trees and a
peaceful atmosphere.
Sunday, May 24, 2015
Week 8 Nanotechnology + Art
Nanotechnology is an interdisciplinary study that embraces concepts from physics, chemistry and biology. www.omninano.org |
As a
physical science major, I have encountered the nanoscale endless times
calculating the distance between cells or wavelengths. Hence, I always
associated nanotechnology strictly with science and mathematics. However, this
week taught me that even art has connected with this technology.
A
person that really captivated my interest in this field is Cris Orfescu, nanoart
researcher and abstract artist. During the day, he does nanotechnology research
for a company in Torrance, California to improve lithium batteries. However,
once he’s off, he stays in lab and does nanoart. (2) In the image below,
Orfescu attempts to inform people about this technology by creating a nanosculpture,
hydrolyzing titanium organometallic compound and coating it with gold.
www.crisorfescu.com |
What
is even more amazing is art’s ability to help better comprehend nanotechnology.
In “Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Answer,” this new science is about a “shift
in our perception of reality from a purely cultural one based on sensing and
connectively.” In this, we can take a new approach and better understand nanotechnology.
(3) Currently, we have potential in nanotechnology to destroy cancer cells (4)
and trace harmful substances or even GMO in foods like McDonalds or Dunkin’
Donuts (5).
Microscopic nanomaterials, often used to add creaminess and color to foods, may also add a health risk. |
Citation:
1.
“What is Nanotechnology?” National
Nanotechnology Institute. <http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition>
2. Feder,
Barnaby. “The Art of Nanotechnology” The
New York Times. Jan 25, 2008 <http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/>
3. Lovgren,
Stefan. “Can Art Make Nanotechnology Easier to Answer?” National Geographic. Dec 23, 2003
4. Cox,
David “Nanoparticles could help deliver a killer blow to cancer” Aug 13, 2014 <http://www.theguardian.com/science/blog/2014/aug/13/nanotherapy-future-cancer-treatment>
5.
Shemkus, Sarah “Activists that aim at nanomaterials in Dunkin’ Donuts” July 11,
2014 <http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/2014/jul/11/activists-nanoparticles-titanium-dioxide-food-dunkin-donuts>
Saturday, May 16, 2015
Neurosci + Art
Location of the Orbito-frontal Cortex shown through MRI http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orbitofrontal_cortex |
Neuroscience
and art are more intertwined than I believed. Neuroscience involves the study
of the brain and the nervous system: this is central to perception and
appreciation of art, creating a subcategory of neuroscience called
neuroesthetics. (1) Neuroaesthetics combine perceptual psychology,
evolutionary biology and functional brain anatomy to explain our appreciation
for the essence of art. Aesthetic perception relies on the brain’s visual
cortex. However, the orbito-frontal cortex determines whether we believe a
painting is beautiful or not. (2) This transmits subtle emotions, like pleasure
or disgust, when we see pictures.
What I find as the most interesting aspect of neuroscience and art is the
effect drugs have on the brain. Lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) is a drug that
amplifies and animates our senses, emotions, and awareness, which can greatly
alter our view of art. In “Artist Draws Nine Portraits on LSD”(3), we can see
the altered and disorientation of the drawings as LSD hits the artist.
These
drawings align with the drug’s effects. It takes approximately 20 minutes
before the drug hits. After, a peak is reached, causing the user to feel
euphoria and hallucinate. Once the drug wears off, the user will feel tired and
dead. (4) The drug activates the HT2A receptors, which are involved in
cognitive processes in the prefrontal cortex. (5) Hence, at the drug’s peak,
the artist felt hyperactivity and couldn’t draw the portraits accurately. Another
further example is Mark McCloud’s LSD art collection (6). His artwork
collection features bright colors, repeated images, and a disoriented feeling —
similar to the image below.
Citations
1.
Diamond, Adele, and Dima Amso. “Contributions of Neuroscience to Our
Understanding of Cognitive Development.” Current directions in
psychological science 17.2 (2008): 136–141. PMC. Web. 16
May 2015.
<http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2366939/>
2.
Chatterjee, Anjan. “Neuroaesthetics.” The
Scientist. 1 May 2014 <http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/39802/title/Neuroaesthetics/>
3.
“Artist Draws Nine Portraits on LSD During 1950s Research Experiment.” Art. 15 Oct 2013 <http://www.openculture.com/2013/10/artist-draws-nine-portraits-on-lsd-during-1950s-research-experiment.html>
4.
“LSD Effects” <http://www.thegooddrugsguide.com/lsd/effects.htm>
5.
Olson, Samantha “This Is Your Brain On Drugs: The Truth About Where LSD Trips
Take Your Body and Mind” Medical Daily.
12 June 2014 <http://www.medicaldaily.com/your-brain-drugs-truth-about-where-lsd-trips-take-your-mind-and-body-287852>
6.
Frank, Priscilla. “Meet Mark McCloud, The World’s Leading Collector of LSD Art.”
The Huffington Post. 4 April 2014
<http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/04/04/mark-mccloud_n_5087179.html>
Sunday, May 10, 2015
BioTech + Art
Until
this week, I didn’t really understand the magnitude and beauty of
biotechnological advances. When I think of biotechnology, electrophorus gel and
fruit fly recombination come to mind. However, as Professor Vesna delve into
blood wars and laughing rats, I was appalled — yet incredibly awestruck by the
beauty of each creation. Biotechnology encompasses a much wider range than I originally
believed.
Engineering Pets: Glow-in-the-Dark Cats |
http://www.cnn.com/2013/03/29/tech/innovation/biotech-animals-emily-anthes/ |
Genetically Modified Flower http://www.scoop.it/t/dnaresearch |
One apparent beautiful biotechnological advance is genetically modified and colored flowers. This has been commercially available for nearly ten years now, involving manipulation of the biosynthesis pathways to create color-altered variations, ideal gifts for today ― Mother’s Day. (1) When breeding the plants, we hybridize wild varieties, discard unfavorable results, and reproduce favorable products. (2)
Overall,
I never considered life itself as a valid expressive medium. Unsurprisingly,
this crosses many ethnical boundaries: “Biotechnology can produce unanticipated consequences that cause harm or
dehumanize people. (3)” Questions arise when people, not plants, are
brought into question. The book, Never
Let Me Go, (4) excellently covers ethical problems through an uneasy story
about cloning humans. Society has trouble processing biotechnology because it
defies what we know: mother nature created the planet. Humans are not supposed
to manipulate life and recreate it. (5) Until further research is done in
biotechnology, I believe ethical dilemmas will continue to be one of
biotechnology’s largest roadblock.
Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro A book on ethical problems clones potentially face |
Citations
1. Tanaka, Yoshikazu, Filippa Brugliera, and
Steve Chandler. “Recent Progress of Flower Colour Modification by
Biotechnology.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 10.12 (2009): 5350–5369. PMC. Web. 10 May 2015. , <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2801998/>
2. Breyer, Melissa. “Can genetic engineering
make flowers better?” Mother Nature
Network. Wed, Oct 31, 2012 <http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/research-innovations/stories/can-genetic-engineering-make-better-flowers>
3. O’Mathúna, Dónal P. “Bioethics and
Biotechnology.” Cytotechnology 53.1-3 (2007): 113–119. PMC. Web. 10 May 2015. <http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2267612/>
4.
Ishiguro, Kazuo. Never Let Me Go. New
York: Knopf, 2005. Print.
5.
“Conference on CoE bioethics outline challenges facing emerging tech” May 5,
2015 <http://www.spyghana.com/conference-on-coe-bioethics-outline-challenges-facing-emerging-tech/>
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