Week 9 - "Space + Art"

This week’s topic focuses on the combination of space and art. Most people find space interesting for the same reason why people find nanotechnology interesting—people are fascinated by what they cannot see with the naked eye (Griffin). There is a kind of mystery and allure when it comes to outer space—how far does it expand, is there a limit to space, are there any other beings out there, etc. along with the beauty of the stars and the planets. I believe this mystery is what attracts many artists. To me, art is all about perception. In the case of space, because there are still many unanswered questions, artists can use mold their version of space into anything they want. Thus, artists are able to use the vast, mysterious unknown of space to convey any complicated emotions that they feel. 

Space Art - "Pillars of Creation"

For example, “space art” (Wikipedia) represents what modern artists perceive as the wonders of the Universe. Perception is important not only for the artists, but for everyone as well. For example, the Geocentric Model of the solar system prominent up until the early modern period claimed that all of the planets in the solar system as well as the sun all revolved around Earth (Howell). 

Geocentric Model

This perception of space was thought to be true by many. However, Copernicus had a different perception of the Solar System and proposed the Heliocentric Model in which the Sun was the center of the Solar System (Miller et. al). 

Heliocentric Model

Differing perception can help move knowledge forward, which is why art is so important. Art allows artists from many different backgrounds to display their differing perception for the world to see, in the hopes that mankind can benefit from it, or at least learn from it. I believe this is why Professor Vesna mentioned that the intersection of space and art sums up all of the previous topics—it shows just how being exposed to differing perception of art can be beneficial to all.

Citations

Griffin, Michael. “Why Explore Space?” NASA. 18 Jan. 2007. Web.

Howell, Elizabeth. “What Is The Difference Between the Geocentric and Heliocentric Models of the Solar System?” Universe Today. 23 Jan. 2012. Web.

Miller, Patrick. “The Center of the Galaxy.” Solar System Exploration. 21 Feb. 2011. Web.

“Space Art.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. “Unit 9: Space + Art” 2012. Lecture.

Week 8 - "NanoTech + Art"

This week’s topic focuses primarily on the intersection of art and nanotechnology. Nanotechnology is such a fascinating field that first attracts people because of the scale (Malcolm). As Professor Gimzewski mentioned in his lecture, nanotechnology deals with the logarithm scale, the scale of tens. 

Nanotechnology is based on a Logarithm Scale

It is human nature to be curious with what the naked eye cannot see, making nanotechnology so intriguing. In my opinion, artists are constantly looking for new avenues in which they can express their art. What signals an artists ability is not by following convention, but by breaking through the norm and exploring new means of expression. Nanotechnology, being such a relatively new field of study can provide this new means of communication in which artists can express their thoughts and feelings. According to the director of the Cornell Council for the Arts’, the collision between art and nanotechnology show how artists address realms of human experience that lie beyond our immediate sensory perception (Aloi). Looking at particles from a miniscule point of view, it is easy to see the artistic influence of nature. 

Snowflake under microscope.

Even look at snowflakes under a microscope, the individuality of each snowflake and the precise symmetric structure prove how profound nature. There is beauty in the nano spectacle of material objects, but there is also beauty in the application of nanotechnology. Nanotechnology has paved a new path in medicine by producing technology that can help detect diseases faster and work to eradicate it in individuals. For examples, gold nanoparticles are used to sense small amounts of cancerous cells in the body, leading to a faster diagnosis and increasing the rate of recovery (Boyle). 

Gold Nanoparticles

Yes, nanotechnology can be artistic in that it magnifies the beauty of nature. But the real beauty lies in its ability to help so many people around the world. Also, as said before, I believe that artists are so attracted to nanotechnology because they act as a new avenue in which they can express themselves. As Professor Vesna said in her lecture, nanotechnology is what puts us over the edge into the 21^st century.

Citations

Aloi, Daniel. “Art and Nanotech Converge in Campus Biennial | Cornell Chronicle.” Cornell Chronicle, 11 Spet. 2014. Web.

Boyle, Rebecca. “7 Amazing Ways Nanotechnology Is Changing The World.” Popular Science. 14 Nov. 2012. Web.

Gimzewski, James. “Unit 8: NanoTech + Art.” 2012. Lecture.

Malcolm, Chris. Art in the Age of Nanotechnology. Bently, WA: John Curtin Gallery, 2012. Print.

Vesna, Victoria. “Unit 8: NanoTech + Art.” 2012. Lecture.

Week 7 - "Neuroscience + Art"

This week’s topic revolves around the artistic side of neuroscience. Neuroscience is a complex field of science in that it involves the study of an intricate and elaborate web of neurons in the nervous system. Therein lies the beauty of neuroscience. An example of art in neuroscience, as was brought up by Professor Vesna, is the use of different fluorescent markers on nerve cells such as in a brainbow. 

Brainbow

The purpose of brainbows is to distinguish neighboring neurons by using red, green, and blue fluorescent protein to tag each individual neuron in order to study the neural connections in the brain (Wikipedia). Brainbows are aesthetically pleasing, with their multitude of bright colors. This can be considered art on a superficial level. However, I see brainbows as art because it depicts the intricacies of the nervous system. The beauty of the nervous system is that it is made up of about 100 million neurons in the brain alone (Huang). These neurons form intricate patterns to transmit signals from the sensory neurons to the brain, allowing us to perceive our senses (Harrub). 

Painting of neurons by Greg Dunn

It is astounding how all of these neurons play an important role in allowing organisms to function and communicate with their environment. The brain itself is an important organ in the context of art in that the brain is what perceives art and interprets art (Hyman). Our brains are what allow each individual to interpret the same piece of art in different manners that are unique to us. 

Complexity of the Brain

Therefore, the study of the brain and nervous system and art go hand in hand. Thus, to me, the connection between neuroscience and art lies in the complexity of the nervous system, the brain especially.

Citations

“Brainbow.” Wikipedia. Wikipedia Foundation. Web.

Harrub, Brad. “Apologetics Press.” Apologetics Press. 2005. Web.

Huang, Mengfei. “The Neuroscience of Art.” Stanford University. 2009. Web.

Hyman, John. “Art and Neuroscience.” The Queen’s College. 2010. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. “Unit 7: Neuroscience + Art.” 2012. Lecture.

Week 6 - "BioTech + Art"

This week’s lectures tie in closely with last week’s topic—the use of technology in the biological field and how that correlates with art (Vesna). Being a part of the biological research community myself, I found this week’s lectures to be eye opening. Having been emerged in research for the past couple years in the subject of biology, I have never thought of the relationship between research and art—I didn’t even think it existed. Now, looking at the topic with new eyes, I can see some similarities between the two, mainly in the idea of “interpretation.” It is general knowledge that the value of art depends on the interpretation of the individual—there is no “one true answer” for any art piece as there is in a math problem. 

Scientific Method (no one right solution)

In the field of research, “interpretation” is key in problem solving. When faced with a biological question, researchers have different interpretation of how the problem can be solved. Using all technical tools allowed, researchers try different approaches to answer the question. Thus, a researcher’s interpretation differs from another’s interpretation. Biological technology and research can be considered an art form not because artists can use biological tools to create science for the sake of art, but rather the way researchers use a combination of biological tools to solve a complex problem (Kaplan). My interpretation of art is something that allows the creator to think outside of the box using the tools available to get to a certain destination. Speaking as someone who has used transgenic organisms in research, it is a valuable tool. 

Eduardo Kac and Alba, the transgenic rabbit

However, when “artists” such as Eduardo Kac employ the use of transgenic technique to create a GFP positive rabbit for the sake of art (Genomic News Network), I believe that crosses the line. Not only is that a waste of resources that would be better used elsewhere, but it employs no true purpose. 

Stelarc and his Third Ear

I believe the same goes for Stelarc, who used biologic techniques to surgically attach a cell-cultivated ear to his arm (Miller). This is a waste of resources as many people in dire need of skin graphs employ the same techniques. In conclusion, I believe that technology in the biological field can be considered tools for art when used for the purpose of research. Research itself is an art form, not the “silly science” employed by certain “artists” (Jones).

Citations

Jones, Jonathan. “Why Don’t Art and Science Mix?” The Guardian. 2 Sept. 2008. Web

Kaplan, Karen. “The Art of Biology, Seen through the Eyes of Scientists.” Los Angeles Times. 10 Oct. 2014. Web.

Miller, Arthur. “This Man Is Growing an Ear on His Arm. Is it Art?” Slate. 3 Feb. 2015. Web.

“Transgenic Bunny by Eduardo Kac.” Genome News Network. 29 Mar. 2002. Web.

Vesna, Victoria. “Unit 6: BioTech+Art”, 2012. Lecture.