Event 5: Trip to LACMA (Extra Credit)

Friday, June 9, 2017

For the fifth event, I decided to go to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. I found myself looking at the artwork called Vertical Black, Red, Blue created by Hungarian artist, Laszlo Moholy-Nagy. Moholy-Nagy's believed that art could be expressed using newer technology such as the camera. His interest in photography led him to create works that gave way to a newer understanding/perspective of art, claiming that artists before were dependent on the tools of perspective drawing, but with the advent of new technologies, they were given a new perspective.

Moholy-Nagy's Vertical Black, Red,
Blue relates the relationship of
technology with art.

Another view of Moholy-Nagy's artwork.

Vertical Black, Red, Blue is an artwork that was created through the use of plexiglas, an industrial material. In this artwork, Moholy-Nagy purposely created this piece so that when illuminated through the front, the black, red, and blue were seen more prominently, whereas, if illuminated through the back, it would highlight the incisions he added. By creating this change, he allowed viewers to see two pieces or perspectives in one sculpture. In this way, by giving more than one perspective, he leaves it up to the viewers to create their own sense of what the art is by giving them an alternative to look upon.

Through the use of just shapes,
Moholy-Nagy shows regardless of what material
one uses, art can be produced.

Through the use of circles,
Moholy-Nagy produces his own idea of
space.

 As I thought about the mechanics and how the artist had went about creating this, I had the initial belief that this man must have had a solid understanding of the basics of light and math in order to create the masterpiece that this artwork is. As I looked around at Moholy's other works of art, I noticed that many of them were made with basic shapes such as circles and rectangles. In one work, just by using circles and lines, he created his own picture of space. I can relate these works back to Judith Hopf's works, located in the Hammer Museum. Similar to Hopf, Moholy used very simple pieces to create his work, emphasizing the idea that art can be created using any type of material. His works, by incorporating the sciences of light theory and space, further emphasize C.P. Snow's claim that the two cultures of art and science will eventually form a relationship and create a third culture. As technology further progresses, I believe that the relationship between artists and scientists will continue to grow, resulting in artworks similar to Moholy-Nagy's and make more noticeable, the relationship of the two.

Event 4: Trip to the Hammer Museum (Extra Credit)

Thursday, June 8, 2017

This sculpture was made with
a beak and wings in order to give
it life.

For this event, I went to the Hammer Museum which is down in Westwood. One of the exhibitions that I looked at was created by German artist Judith Hopf. When I first looked at Hopf's creations, I noticed that all the works there were made from objects that are readily available to use in a house. Many artworks were made out of bricks, ropes, while others looked as if it were pasted on paper. The commonality I saw between all the artworks was the fact that they all were made to show that they were alive. For example, there were three pieces of different kinds of rope on the ground. One end of the rope touched the ground while the other, supported by the body, faced directly out the window. It had the uncanny resemblance of a snake watching its prey.

Through delicate arranging, Hopf
was able to make it seem as if
the rope was alive.

Just one of the sculptures that
were available in Hopf exhibition.

In one corner of the room, I also saw the same types of ropes, just longer, attached to the ceiling. At the very bottom, the rest of the rope lay neatly coiled. What I really got out of Hopf's exhibition was the idea that one can make art with essentially anything, even if at first glance it seems impossible. Regardless of the "simplicity" of the supplies used, the works appear complete, meaning that it is perfectly fine without adding any other pieces. I always attributed good art to very complex and intricate works. However, I know now that it is possible to make a delicate piece of art without having to be complex. This exhibition further supports the idea of the importance of creativity and originality in creating artworks. With a little imagination, even the simplest of objects can be used to produce art. I also really liked the fact that Hopf anthropomorphize her sculptures by adding facial features, arms, and legs. Overall, I believe it was very creative and very aesthetically pleasing.

Pictured here is a long piece of rope attached to the
ceiling on one end while the other is neatly coiled.

Pictured here is a funnel that was connected
to a copper wire which produced a
low, thudding sound.

The other exhibition I looked at was created by Jeanine Oleson. I also found Oleson's work to be intriguing but at the same time stimulating in mind. Stimulating meaning, I had to think quite a lot in order to try and understand her inspiration in making this. Oleson uses a mixture of her sculptures, sound, and music to show off her work. Her use of copper portrays the effects of materialism and labor on us through means of capitalism. As of now, I still don't believe I fully grasp the meaning behind her work and its relation to capitalism.

Event 3 Study Guide for Final

Outline for Final Paper

1. Introduction
      -explain the reason for choosing this topic (Biotechnology and art)
      - add thesis, show my argument for what I am writing about
2. Body
     -begin with a little history/background of the first example of genetically modifying organisms
     - go into detail about what biotechnology actually is and the step by step method for adding gene
       to plasmid
      - add information about Joe Davis and Eduardo Kac, explain what they did to contribute to field
        of bioart
      -explain the significance/ relationship between biotechnology and art which produce bioart, give
       specific examples
      -add on, explaining what could possibly happen in the future as technology gets more and more
        advanced and modern
       -Ex. reviving extinct species and possibly genetically modifying them so that they will be fit to
         survive in the world
3. Conclusion
     -explain the thesis again, and go over what was discussed in the paper
     -sum up my ideas

June 4 (Sunday)
-plan to make an outline and research enough

June 5 (Monday)
-finish off the research and start introduction

June 6 (Tuesday)
-begin writing the bulk of the paper

June 7 (Wed)
-finish the paper and add citations, make sure to double check for grammar and sentences

June 8 (Thursday)
-go to TA OH and ask them to look over to see what can be change
-start revision

June 9, 10
-finish revision, look over occasionally and submit

Space + Art

Sunday, June 4th, 2017.

For the last topic of DESMA 9, Professor Vesna discussed the intersection between space and art. As Dr. Vesna lectured, the topic of space is related to many topics that we have covered through the class.

Space has always been an interest to us as it holds an
endless number of possibilities.
http://wallpapershome.com/space/earth-planet-space-10121.html

The topic of space travel was such a precarious and unrealistic idea many years ago as even the idea of leaving Earth entirely was frightening. The uncertainty with what space and essentially the world had to offer was in short, a lot. However, this fickleness combined with human curiosity eventually culminated and created opportunities that at the time, seemed impossible to do.




With human fascination of the infinitely humongous universe, came the launch of the Sputnik 1, which was the first artificial satellite launched into space by Soviet Union engineers and scientists. The launch of Sputnik was important as it provided scientists with information of Earth and space from another perspective. During the Soviet Union's early attempts on the practicality of space travel, they sent a dog, Laika, to monitor the effects of space. Touching upon the idea of biotechnology, it can definitely be stated that this action is controversial. Was it humane and moral to send a living creature into the depths of space, which at the time, people knew nothing about? Although the possible benefits of space travel were endless, does it really justify the possibility of losing a life. Similar to how many controversies arose with the growing industry of biotechnology, space exploration did the same.

Sputnik 1 was launched by Soviet Union and was the
catalyst in forming other expeditions.
http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/visitmuseum/Plan_your_visit/exhibitions/cosmonauts/race-to-space/sputnik

Furthermore, the invention of the telescope helped show nanotechnology's role in space exploration. In 1996, scientists discovered buckyballs in craters, which indicated that comets and meteorites had bombarded earth long ago. Although it was believed that buckyballs were only found in gaseous form, the Spitzer Space Telescope helped discover buckyballs in space in solid form, allowing scientists to learn more about space and the objects in space.

Star Wars, like many other space movies, highlights
the endless possibilities of space.
http://www.starwars.com/news/star-wars-the-force-awakens-theatrical-poster-first-look-in-theater-exclusives-and-more

As time went on, others eventually took notice in society's interest in space, leading to numerous works such as Star Trek, E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and Star Wars. All the movies encompass some aspect of the topics covered in class. For example, the setting of Star Wars connects mathematics, robotics, nanotechnology, and space to create the work of art that grossed millions of dollars. The beautiful rovers, the jet fighters, and the Death Star were created using the topics we have covered like robotics, as well as a bit of imagination and originality. Even in today's world, the uncertainty behind Earth's forces pushes artists to use their imaginations to create new and unique artworks.

Vesna, Victoria. 8 space pt1. Youtube. Youtube. 29 Jul. 2013. Web. 4 June. 2017

Vesna, Victoria. 8 space pt2. Youtube. Youtube. 29 Jul. 2013. Web. 4 June. 2017

Vesna, Victoria. 8 space pt3. Youtube. Youtube. 29 Jul. 2013. Web. 4 June. 2017.

Vesna, Victoria. 8 space pt4. Youtube. Youtube. 30 May 3012. Web. 4 June. 2017.

"Sputnik and The Dawn of The Space Age". history.nasa. N.p, N.d., Web. 4 June. 2017.

Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

Sunday, May 28, 2017.

For this week's lecture, Professor Vesna had guest speaker Dr. Gimzewski lecture on the idea of nanotechnology. Although the field of nanotechology is hard to visualize with the human eye, Dr. Gimzewski stresses the potential it has to change the world through the endless possibilities it opens up.

Abraxane has been a very effecive
anticancer drug and does not have many
potential detrimental effects.

 Nanoparticles, also known as quantum dots, can be used in several different applications and one example is in the field of nanomedicine. Cancer is widely recognized as a very serious and sometimes difficult disease to treat. Anticancer drugs such as Taxel, include toxic chemicals which are detrimental to one's health. However, incorporating nanotechnology has allowed us to reduce the toxicity of anti-cancer treatments. Take for instance, the nanodrug, Abraxane which helps to fight breast cancer. The idea is to make nanosized particles and coat them with the protein albumin which will make the particles soluble, decreasing the toxicity. Furthermore, quantum dots can also be used as markers to illuminate certain diseases.

The cosmetic industry has become such a
booming industry that the idea of creating
safe products has become more and more
important.

We see more incorporation of nanotechnology in the cosmetic industry. Many cosmetic companies have begun to look towards nanotechnology as a viable and safer method of creating their products. Many cosmetic products today contain potential carcinogens, cancer causing chemicals. However, with nanoparticles, there is a way around this. Quantum dots have a very unique property of being a semiconductor. Due to this, when enlarged, the dots appear as black, however, as the dots become smaller, they begin to produce different colors. Adjusting the size of the nanoparticle produces different colors, meaning that we can obtain every color just by adjusting the size. These quantum dots could possibly become a replacement for cosmetic products today, and essentially revolutionize the industry. Quantum dots can also be used as markers to tag particular proteins.

Quantum dots are able to turn into any color on the spectrum.

As we have discussed, the possibilities that come with nanotechnology are endless. Nanoparticles have not only made an impact in changing medicine and skincare, but also they are slowly being more and more integrated into these industries. While it has made such a big impact worldwide, there are opponents who elucidate the fact that nanoparticles may possibly have detrimental effects on the ecosystem. However, regardless of what people may say, nanotechnology has advanced significantly throughout the years, and will continue to integrate itself into the world, affecting not only artworks but also in medicine, and other industry.

Abraxane. Drugs.com. N.p., N.d. Web.
https://www.drugs.com/abraxane.html

Gimzewski, K. Jim. Nanotech Jim pt1. Youtube. Youtube. 21 May. 2012. Web. 28 May. 2017.

Gimzewski, K. Jim. Nanotech Jim pt4. Youtube. Youtube. 21 May. 2012. Web. 28 May. 2017.

Gimzewski, K. Jim. Nanotech Jim pt6. Youtube. Youtube. 21 May. 2012. Web. 28 May. 2017.

Quantum Dots. nanosys. N.p., N.d. Web.
http://www.nanosysinc.com/what-we-do/quantum-dots/

Neurosci + Art

Sunday, May 21, 2017.

Professor Vesna explained that our mind has a conscious and unconscious component to it. She defined consciousness as the state or condition in which one is aware of his or her personal identity and the unconsciousness as the opposite. Touching upon this, neuroscience and art have a "one-sided" relationship. People may not realize it, but without the help of our neurons, we would be unable to appreciate, and more or less perceive art. Even as technology advanced, there was not much information about neuroscience until the creation of the microscope and electricity.

With the invention of the
microscope, the study of a whole
new field of science was possible.

Professor Vesna talked about two important scientists. One was Franz Joseph Gall who pioneered what we call phrenology, the determination of an individual intellect and personality based on skull shape. Essentially, the shape of a certain region would give insight to a person's personality or intellect depending on the area. He was also the first to identify grey matter and white matter of the brain.

The brain is one of the most complex and beautiful
works of art.

The other was Santiago Ramon y Cajal who is regarded as the founder of neuroanatomy. He gave much insight to the understanding of the neuron. The neuron is made up of three regions known as the cell body, the axon, and the dendrite. The dendrites extend from the cell body and is the means for how a neuron receives information from other neurons. Once they receive this message, neurons use their axons to send electrical signals to other neurons nearby which eventually lead to signals being recognized by the brain and then allowing movement accordingly. Cajal discovered that you could read out the connection patterns of neurons depending on their shape, describing the "tree-like input and output structures" are not only beautiful but also efficient in the way they attached to other neurons. Cajal created many drawings of neurons which are still used in textbooks today.

Neurons in the brain allow for transmitting of cues and
allow for us to perceive.

Cajal's work with neuroanatomy and his drawings of the neurons is just one example which show the beauty of the brain. As weird as it may sound, the brain itself is an artwork. The drawings of the branching of the neurons is just one example. In this way, neuro art definitely has its own beauty and uniqueness. Just like with all art, with a little creativity and technology, it is possible to produce art from things we might not have guessed.

Cherry, Kendra. Neurons - Building Blocks of the Nervous System. Verywell. N.p., N.d., Web.

The Neuron. BrainFacts.org. Society for Neuroscience. 1 Apr. 2012. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. Neuroscience-pt1.mov. Youtube. Youtube. 17 May. 2012. Web. 21 May. 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TzXjNbKDkYI

Vesna, Victoria. Neuroscience-pt2.mov. Youtube. Youtube. 17 May. 2012. Web. 21 May. 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFv4owX3MZo

Vesna, Victoria. Neuroscience pt3. Youtube. Youtube. 16 May. 2012. Web. 21 May. 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5EX75xoBJ0

BioTech + Art

Sunday, May 14, 2017.

Picture of DNA in its double helix
structure.

In this week's lecture, I learned about the relationship between BioTech and Art. In 2003, the entire human genome was with much effort, sequenced. With the discovery of DNA as the hereditary means of transferring on one's own genes, scientists have discovered ways in altering those genes. Professor Vesna had stated that artists have begun to work with biologists, nano-technologists, geneticists, and neuroscientists in going into flesh and cellular tissue levels, giving rise to Bioart.

Eduardo Kac touched upon the same idea. Kac created his own GFP bunny through microinjection. Scientists took a fluoroscent gene from a species of fluorescent jellyfish and modified the gene to make its properties more powerful. The gene was then inserted into a fertilized rabbit egg cell which eventually became the bunny. He went on to claim it as art. Kac touched upon the idea of transgenic art as a new art form based on the use of genetic engineering to create new living being or another form of art that was alive.

Eduardo Kac with his GFP bunny.

However, with human involvement in recreating genes comes a lot of controversy. For example, animal activists do not agree with the idea of modifying organisms.  As the organism is unable to "consent" there is high degree of immoral practices and so ethically there are many issues. Furthermore, animal activists stress that these techniques affect the animals well-being. Not only with animals, the crops and vegetables grown today are genetically modified. Genetically modified organisms or GMO are modified in order to last longer. Chemicals are added to GMOs in order to appeal better to consumers. People unconsciously, choose fruits that appeal to them aesthetically. The color of the fruit as well as its shape are very significant factors in them choosing the fruit. If the fruit were to be misshapen or even bruised, consumers are less likely to buy it. Scientists today have tried to modify fruit genes in order to produce the right proportions solely for people to buy them. The more aesthetically pleasing the fruit looks, the better chance people will buy.

The controversy behind GMOs highlights
the importance of whether or not the
benefits or cons outweigh one or the other.

Besides health and ethical concerns, BioArt is really a new form of art. It is another way for scientists and artists to come together in creating another art form. As technology advances, Biotechnology and art will continue to overlap.

Abou-Gabal, Nirvana. "Understanding the Controversy and Science of GMOs". Huffingtonpost. N.p., July 28. 2015. Web.

Lallanilla, Marc. "GMOs: Facts About Genetically Modified Food". LiveScience. N.p., Jan 11. 2016. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. 5 bioart pt1. Youtube. Youtube. 18 Sep. 2013. Web. 14 May. 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg

Vesna, Victoria. 5 BioArt pt2. Youtube. Youtube. 17 May. 2012. Web. 14 May. 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&v=MdSt-Hjyi2I

Vesna, Victoria. 5 BioArt pt3. Youtube. Youtube. 17 May. 2012. Web. 14 May. 2017.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&v=3EpD3np1S2g