WEEK 9: Unit 9

Space is an amazing concept. Some people cannot even talk about it because it is so mind blowing. The Powers of Ten video made it clear just how large space is and put human life into perspective. After watching the video I sat back and really thought about my life and how important little things (like what to wear, who said what, and what celebrity is dating who) are to me when in reality, I'm only 10^0 power out of an infinite number of powers of ten. I think Space & Art was a perfect ending to this class because it not only encompasses everything we've learned about in class, but also our daily lives outside of class. While sitting and pondering these thoughts, I was reminded of a video that says it all. It's called Pale Blue Dot by Carl Sagan and it talks about everything this unit has made me feel. Here's the link if you'd like to check it out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wupToqz1e2g

Artists use basic space concepts like gravity in art. Kathleen Forde uses examples of how artists have taken the concept of gravity and separated it from science and turned it into art. Forde says "Gravity is the physical force of attraction between massive objects, but it also connotes seriousness and depth, a metaphorical weight. Scientists speak of zero gravity, microgravity, and reduced gravity, states in which the physical force of gravity is diminished, limited, or even suspended." So, not only is gravity a scientific concept, its a deep, emotional metaphor for a lot of artists. 

The exploration and study of space would not be possible without technology, beginning with the invention of the telescope all the way to modern day machines. Being a fan of cartoons myself, I appreciated the reference to The Jetsons and The Flintstones. It really shows how far we, as a species, have come. 

Sources:

“A Pale Blue Dot.” A Pale Blue Dot. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Nov. 2012. 

Forde, Kathleen. "Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity." Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity. Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center, 2010. Web. 31 May 2015.

“Leonardo Space Art Project Visioneers.” Leonardo Space Art Project. MIT Press, 1996. Web. 26 Nov. 2012.

"POWERS OF TEN AND THE RELATIVE SIZE OF THINGS IN THE UNIVERSE."Eames Office. Eames Office, 09 Oct. 2013. Web. 31 May 2015.

"The Jetsons Meet The Flintstones." Funnier Moments. N.p., n.d. Web.

WEEK 8: Unit 8

In Dr. Gimzewski's lectures he spoke about the prefix "nano" and the different ways it is used in science. A nano is 10^9, so it is very very small (~1000x smaller than a red blood cell). The topic I found most interesting was the nanoparticle market. Nanoparticles are sized between 1 and 100 nanometers. The reason scientists know about these particles today is because of the invention of the scanning tunneling microscope, whereas before, molecules looked more like an electron cloud. 

One example of nanoparticle discoloration is the Roman Lycurgus Cup. The cup can still be seen at the British Museum and demonstrates the unique feature of changing color depending upon the light in which it is viewed. It appears green when viewed in reflected light, but looks red when a light is shone from inside and is transmitted through the glass. Analysis of the glass reveals that it contains a very small amount of tiny metal crystals containing Ag and Au. It is the presence of these nanoparticles that gives the Lycurgus Cup its special color display (Liz-Marzán). 





The same effect was also found in Italian pottery in the 15th & 16th centuries. Another art form that uses nanoparticle technology are stain glass windows. The color of the windows is changed based on the size of the nanoparticles. So, in a way medival artists were the very first nanotechnologists!







Sources:


“Art in the Age of Nanotechnology.” Artabase. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. 

Chan, Chi. "From Nanotech to Nanoscience." Chemical Heritage Foundation. Chemical Heritage Foundation, 2010. Web. 24 May 2015.

“Introduction to Nanotechnology.” Introduction to Nanotechnology RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. 

Liz-Marzán, Luis M. "Nanometals: formation and color." Materials today 7.2 (2004): 26-31.

“What Is Nanotechnology?” What Is Nanotechnology? N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012.

WEEK 7: Unit 7

Neuroscience & Art is a field that has developed rapidly over the years due to technological advances and a better understanding of the brain's functions. Phrenology was an early attempt to understand brain functions that was developed by Franz Joseph Gall. It is is a pseudoscience primarily focused on measurements of the human skull, based on the concept that the brain is the organ of the mind, and that certain brain areas have localized, specific functions or modules.

This belief was later proved incorrect as technology increased and scientists could actually see neuronic function. An interesting and popular use was the Brainbow. It is the process used by scientists where each individual neurons in the brain are distinguished from other neurons by using fluorescent proteins. It creates a scene of random/different ratios of red, green, and blue derivatives of green flourescent protein in individual neurons, and it is possible to flag each neuron with a distinctive color. 

The Brainbow struck me during lecture because I could not get over how pretty all the colors looked together. It shows another side of neuroscience that incorporates art beauty. Another example of how the study of the brain can be artistic is shown through Suzanne Anker's ink blots. The brain scan images were created into something interesting and another way to study brain function. In my mind, neuroscience was viewed from a different perspective because of this weeks lectures. 
                                   



Sources:

Dunn, Gregory. Greg A. Dunn Design. Web. 16 Nov 2012. <http://www.gregadunn.com/about/>

Vesna, Victoria. “Conscious / Memory (Part 1).” Lecture. 16 Nov 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DLVQIwOn7o8>

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 2).” 16 Nov 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Xlg5wXHWZNI>

Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 3).” 16 Nov 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E5EX75xoBJ0>

Cohan, Mark. Lecture. 16 Nov 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=eDq8uTROeXU>

WEEK 6: Unit 6

I was very interested in this weeks topic, the relationship of biotechnology and art, because of it’s relevance to the ethical, social, and political issues of today. While watching this week’s lecture (1), I learned that biotechnology is when scientists use technology to manipulate biological components like genetics, organisms, and cells. 

One important aspect of art is the ability to ‘create’, and biotechnology has allowed peoples creations to physically alter humans and animals. When going through this weeks ideas, I struggled with the idea that life itself is a valid expressive medium for one’s artistic endeavors. With the growth of technology, there have not been many regulations on using biotechnology. In my opinion, some people abuse biotechnology with the excuse that it is art. For example,  I think that Eduardo Kac’s GFP Bunny (2) that was genetically engineered to glow under certain light is cruel. I believe that it is unfair to manipulate the genes and well-being of an animal unable to give its consent in the name of creating art. 

Also, the use of genetic engineering on animals affects us when we eat the animals in “Genetically Modified Food”(3), otherwise known as ‘GMO’s”. This is shown by the Mcdonald’s Food Experiment (4). Although genetically engineering animals to produce more food, it negatively affects the product that we ingest in our bodies. I think that if this continues, over time humans will start developing more and more health issues. 

Although I understand and appreciate the importance the progress scientists are making to create positive affects on society, I think it must be regulated much more strictly in order to avoid the harmful possibilities that arise (5) from biotechnology and art. 

Works Cited:

1.Vesna, Victoria, narr. “BioTech Art Lectures I-V.” N.p., . web. 5 Nov 2012.

2."GFP BUNNY." GFP BUNNY. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.

3."Genetically Modified Food." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.

4."McDonald's Food Expirament." YouTube. YouTube, 12 June 2007. Web. 10 May 2015.

5.Anderson, Helen. "Biotechnology and Negative Effects on the Environment." EHow. Demand Media, 08 Apr. 2011. Web. 10 May 2015.

Images

1.C11 Biotech Research. Digital image. Http://venturecenter.co.in/brc/images/top12.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web.

2.Hopping out Glowing Green Bunnies for Science. Http://hotdigitalnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/bunglow.jpg Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web.

3.Russian Prime Minister Bans GMO. Digital image. Http://russia-insider.com/sites/insider/files/GMO-sm1.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web.