Event 3: The Hammer Museum

It was awhile ago that I attended the Hammer Museum, the last day of the Charles Gaines' exhibit on Gridwork. But it was an experience that I throughly enjoyed. It was my first time exploring The Hammer. One time, my volleyball team went on a scavenger hunt around Westwood, and one of our clues was in the front Lobby of the Museum, but this time I actually got to explore!

The first thing that I came across was the outdoor patio that had the spinning chairs. They reminded me of dreidels for some reason, I had never seen anything like it. I sat in one to try it out, I was so caught off guard that I almost fell out of the thing. Was a little scary, but once I went around a few times it wasn’t so bad. The architecture of these chairs combines both science and art that is designed to keep spinning without every stopping. I felt like I couldn’t be stopped. Was an interesting concept and design of moving.

The next exhibit that I visited was Charles Gaines’ Gridwork. What I saw were drawings, photographs, and works on paper that explored how rules-based procedures construct order and meaning. Each grid had a different design that embodied a different illustration of art. The trees were really cool to see because they were made up of boxes that had numbers in them, with a variety of different colors. From afar, you couldn’t see the numbers or the boxes. But up close, you could see the arrangement of boxes put together. It looked like coding, but was in the shape of tree. Interesting. But I thought it was so cool! I kept going up close to far away to see the difference in appearance. Got some pretty weird stares but I was so intrigued by Gaines’ artwork. 

Overall, my experience at the Hammer was awesome and I got to see some pretty interesting pieces of works. Similar to the Getty with the paintings, only a little more modern, I was really intrigued by looking at these paintings. I stood in front of the Garden Bridge painting and just stared at it for awhile. I sort of zoned out, but I just envisioned myself walking across the bridge and being there. For a second I thought I saw people walking across it, but then I snapped out of it. I would most definitely recommend visiting the Hammer, and if you want to get your ping pong on, they have a table!! 

Event 2: The Getty

Recently, I had the privilege to attend the Getty Museum with my younger brother, and let me tell you, it was AWESOME! Being a fifth year student at UCLA, this was my first time visiting. Upon walking up to the main entrance, at the bottom of the stairs lays a famous French statue called L’air. The stance that the figure holds appears as though she is floating in space. I tried holding this pose, but my legs and glutes began to cramp. Was a lot tougher than I anticipated,  but my brother snagged a good photo.

The main lobby was incredible. I was in awe and a little overwhelmed as to how big it was. My brother and I didn’t really know where to start our adventure, so we asked the man at the information booth on his take on where we should start. We started in the North Pavilion, where there was an exhibit of Renaissance Splendors of the Northern Italian Courts. Inside there were ancient glass and ceramics that promoted the technological advancements of local production and stimulating trade during the 1300s. It was amazing to see these pieces of work in person and how they have remained intact over the centuries. The maiolica, which was a common luxury item to Venetians, was really interesting to see up close because the detail and color were still so vibrant and had not lost its original form. Truly fascinating and put into perspective as to why these were such a luxury commodities during this period of history. 

We then made our way to the South Pavilion where I came across one painting that really grabbed my attention. Maybe it was because it took up the entire wall, but it seemed to display the encounter between men and women of the middle class. The setting of the painting looks as though they are in a rundown part of town, where these two women seem to have come across two men and somehow engaged in friendly conversation. I wasn’t sure what the angle was for this painting, maybe had to do with the social behaviors, but it made an impression on me.

Next, we visited the South Promontory Cactus Garden where there was a phenomenal view of Los Angles. We couldn’t go into the garden since it was blocked off, but the view was incredible. It was not a clear day, but you could still see downtown Los Angles and the tip of Palos Verdes. We couldn’t resist taking some artsy/hipster pictures, it was a must. 

We then made our way to the West Pavilion where we saw hand made drawings, one painting you had to use a magnifying glass. The amount of lines that were used to make this painting must have taken months. Talk about hand crap! 

After seeing some paintings, we then ventured to the central garden where there were a variety of different plants, grasses, and streams that lead into a pool that had a maze of azaleas floats. The design of the maze was created by Robert Irwin over a decade ago where it represents this moment in time. The way in which we look at the world as though it is an adventure experiencing ups and downs, right and wrong, constantly changing the rules. It can relate to change in our culture, specifically what we have been discussing this quarter on technology. 

This maze really opened my eyes as to how to view the world and how there is no definite answer as to why certain things occur. In way, this maze made me understand that there are going to be difficult times or paths that we come across. Part of we can control, others we can’t. I think the underlying concept of this maze is to remind us that forever setback we may face in our lives, there is a comeback. For ever negative there is a positive. It is up to you to stay in the present, or this moment, as best as you can and know that life is a maze to finding your success.

Overall, my experience at the Getty was incredible and I highly recommend others to visit as well. Even if you are not into museums, this one definitely has more than just exhibits, it is a great place to have a picnic, lunch, and escape the stress of our busy lives. 

Week 9: Space + Art

Copernicus Solar System

The fascination of space has been a topic that astronomers have questioned for centuries in searching for the meaning of “what is life.” Bringing knowledge and science together has changed the popular culture in how we look at space. With Copernicus’s model of the solar system in 1512, it sparked a new beginning of space and what lies in the universe. Space has always been an interesting topic of mine because I have always been curious as to what is really out there. Looking up at night, seeing the stars, it seems so close but yet millions of miles away. 

With the technology that has advanced since the time of Copernicus, astronomers have developed this portal into space where we have launched satellites and rockets to explore what is out in the universe. Sputnik was a monumental event where it exploited space travel and grabbed the world’s attention on a mass scale. It changed the view of peoples vision as to what the future will hold or even look like. It sparked unknown wonders of the universe and the capabilities as to what can be done to expand beyond earth. 

Neil Armstrong: First Man
on the Moon

Between the years of 1957 and 1969, satellites were launched into orbit as well as sending animals into space, orbiting the earth, and the most historic event, putting a man on the moon. The space race between the Soviet Union and the United States went beyond just who could reach the moon, but it created a new phenomenon of life outside of earth. This idea of the moon acting as the new persian gulf of the 21st century was something that could not be ignored. Mining the moon became a competition because it could have the potential to control the global economy and the destiny beyond.

Tomorrowland:
The future of the unknown

With everything that we have learned this course, it all ties together with space ad how it is creating our future. To think that television shows like “The Jetsons,” “Star Trek,” and “Lost in Space” paved this image of the future, it did in fact influence popular culture about space. It created a new image as to what to look forward to centuries to come. Is it possible to have life in space? Science fiction movies have definitely generated curiosities as to what life could be like in centuries to come. I know for me, just seeing the film Tomorrowland, it changed my perspective about the future. With the amount of technology that we have today and how quickly it is improving, I would not be surprised if our society will end up like these films. Yes it is fiction, but technology has such a heavy impact on our lives today, and with such brilliant scientists, researchers, and artists, there is a possibility that our future could one day model this space universe idealist world. And if I were to be alive when this happened, this would by far be the coolest and most historic achievement that our world would ever see. 

Citations

Nasa <http://www.nasa.gov/feature/our-tomorrowland-nasa-advancing-the-future-on-earth-and-in-space>

Copernicus <http://voices.nationalgeographic.com/files/2010/02/solar-system-copernicus.jpg>

Sputnik Video <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvPzUAeWZZY>

Neil Armstrong <http://airportjournals.com/wp-content/uploads/0803006_6.jpg>

Lecture Professor Vesna <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2dPAmpBiVHY>

Week 8: Nanotechnology

Richard Feynman

This week's topic discussed the field of nanotechnology and how almost every aspect of science is impacted by technology. Dr. Gimzewski lead lectures this week, and his insight on the effect of nanotechnology made it clear that nanotechnology is beginning to push us over the edge in the 21st century, shifting the paradigm. For basics, nanotechnology is based on a scale of nanometers, in three scales of a thousand, a billionth of a meter. Richard Feynman lead a talk on "There's Plenty of Room at the Bottom" where he discusses about how there is room in technology to make tiny things change the world. His vision was that "the principle of physics do not speak against the possibility of maneuvering things from atom to atom," but how "we can manipulate things on the atomic scale." (Lecture). Feynman realized that as we shrink to the nanoscale, the laws of physics can change and allow quantum effects to dominate. 

Richard Smalley

Nanometer Scale

What really put nanotechnology on the map were Richard Smalley and Eric Drexler's theoretical concepts on carbon forms. The idea of seeing individual atoms in space and being able to manipulate them was a discovery that changed the thinking of technology. What made this possible was the development of the Scanning Tunneling Microscope. This microscope was designed to allow scientists to feel the surface of atoms by touch. The "finger" was a fine needle that could approach an atom and detect the surface of the atom. With this development, scientists could detect and even closer visual of the structure of molecules inside an atom. This development changed the way in which we can look at surfaces of molecules that can either be conducting or non-conducting.

Nanoparticles 

Nano particles also had an impact on nanotechnology because they had the ability to generate colors and pigments in particles. Nano particles can be used in a variety of applications and technologies, but the ones that has the mist to improve life is medicine. Nano medicine offers great benefits that can better our health. Quantum dots, for example, are made on the nano scale that can tag particular types of disease with the use of color killing tissue cells. 

In all, nanotechnology has improved our way of analyzing the structure of atoms and has given us the ability to self organize structures of molecules. 

Citations

Lecture with Professor Gimzewski

Richard Feynman <https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y0qhcAN9RZylQpWoGNMRCWfqBXhV_uZsDRFvHseTFd-WTqKsVKjF2sRn2k-ePgI6F_7_Il_eJQ-XTqc-IUtW9HHFNtjCaf9BWXFY1P3Xj4XAWO2U9FRojr9J4QexD3k7q_3bcVf4MjE/s1600/richard-feynman-nano-big.jpg%3E>

Nanometer Scale <https://www.nanosonic.com/images/large/108.jpg>

Richard Smalley <http://www.chemheritage.org/discover/online-resources/chemistry-in-history/themes/microelectronics-and-nanotechnology/smalley-curl-kroto.aspx>

Nanoparticles <http://cdn.phys.org/newman/gfx/news/hires/2008/anewpyrexnan.jpg>

Event: Robert Gero

Selfies outside CNSI Building 

Thursday evening, a few of my friends and I went to Robert Gero's event where he explained his idea about infinity structures. I would first like to comment on the CNSI building and how awesome it was to walk around. Since I am history major and spend most of my time on North Campus, it was a change of atmosphere to see the layout of South Campus. It did take awhile to find the art gallery room, but I am glad we got a little lost so we could explore a little. 

Robert Gero (left)
Dr. Gimzewski (right) 

But getting back to Robert Gero's event, it was interesting to see his creation of an infinity structure and his take on how he believes that these structures will help further expand mathematics and technology. When I first walked in to the art gallery and saw the structure, I thought it was a molecule. I had never seen anything like this before. The way in which it was laid out, made it feel as though I were apart of the structure. It felt like a maze. Luckily it was made of styrofoam because I tripped while dodging in and out of the structure. 

Me & the infinity structure.
SO COOL

Listening to Robert Gero speak about the "infinity" and how he has been researching ways to calculate paradoxical space was eye-opening. His philosophical question that he posed in front of us was how can he create a structure in which terminal dimensions continue to expand and uphold on themselves infinitely and not break down. Robert continues his research by looking at mathematical models, in which he hopes can help calculate the "infinite." His creation in constructing geometric polygons has helped him to realize that there is a world application to theoretical mathematical calculations of infinity. Robert firmly believes that there is something within these polygons that will  uncover an infinity that is malleable and can be used in our modern technology. 

Upon visiting Robert Gero and listening him talk about his geometric polygons, it tied into the field  of mathematics and how scientists rely heavily on this subject field to figure out ways to further expand their theories to uncover the impossible. From what we have learned thus far regarding mathematics, this event put into perspective how mathematics is needed in discovering new ways to further advance our logic of the unknown. 

Video of "Infinity Structure"

I had a phenomenal time listening to Robert Gero and praise him for his work. It is so fascinating to see how passionate and determined he is to discovering the structural dimensions of the infinity. 

Not knowing anything about this field really made my experience memorable and impacted the way in which I now see objects, how infinity is everywhere.

Week 7: Neuroscience + Art

Neuroscience

This week’s topics focused on quite of variety of things, ranging from consciousness to unconsciousness, the conflict between Freud and Jung, and issue of LSD. The field of neuroscience explores the understanding of the nervous system and how brain functions. What does it mean to be in this moment right now? How or body and mind think and process such actions. All of this derives from consciousness; the special awareness, sensitivity, and alertness to a particular issue or situation. 

Franz Joseph Gall

Two important scientists that looked at the brain were Franz Joseph Gall and Santiago Raon y Cajal. Gall believes that human brain was physically developed according to its use and began the fashionable practice of phrenology- identifying the great matter of the brain with active tissue, neurons, and white matter. Cajal, considered the founder of neuroanatomy, investigated more of the microscopic structure of the brain.

Santiago Raon y Cajal

Freud and Jung looked more at the unconscious where they both took different approaches or had differ rent theories of the topic. Freud divided the mind as of “id” (or instincts and drive) and the “superego” (or conscience). In his theory, the unconscious refers to the mental process of which individuals make themselves unaware. He proposed a vertical and hierarchical architecture of human consciousness: the conscious mind, the preconscious, and the unconscious mind- each lying beneath the other. 

Jung argued that unconscious was source of creativity. He believed that religion was an important place of safety and exploring all parts of the cells. The relationship between these two is further dramatized in the movie called “A Dangerous Method,” produced in 2011 by David Connenberg, exemplifying the creative and fears of the process of the brain. 

David Cronenberg

It is interesting to see the wide range in neuroscience and how it all ties together. The brain is this biological entity that inspires art and influences culture that has continued scientists and artists to find solutions as to whether to not mind control is inevitable. 

Citations

"Neuroscience" http://cdn1.collective-evolution.com/assets/uploads/2013/08/consciousness.jpg

"Franz Joseph Gall" https://c1.staticflickr.com/3/2706/4307548673_41014028e9.jpg

"Santiago Raon y Cajal" http://spin.udg.edu/rn12/wp-content/uploads/2012/07/neuronas.jpg

"David Cronenberg" http://static.rogerebert.com/uploads/movie/movie_poster/a-dangerous-method-2011/large_NfUMJNIvPMcm59uZEeHx8l4feM.jpg

Week 6 | Bio + Art

Bio-Art is one of the most controversial areas that draws the attention to ethical, aesthetic, and social issues. It serves not only as an artistic function, but as scientific. How scientists use animals for research is controversial without a doubt, it questions the ethics behind it all. I personally do not have an opinion on this matter, but I found it very intriguing on the different ways in which certain artists used biotechnology as a way of expressing art.

The Joe Davis

Joe Davis Experiment

Joe Davis is considered the pioneer of biotechnology where he came up with the most absurd ideas that posed critical questions about what life is and what it means she we manipulate life. For instance, he worked with other scientists to teach him about genomes, so he could create an infinite gene. By taking genomes and inserting them into living things, he used his audio microscope to created artistic pieces and how sound waves effects e-coli. What Joe Davis did was that he created living art. Artists are now realizing the potential effect that genomics have and how if used properly can be seen as art. 

Eduardo Kac is another artist that uses genomes to express art through the use of rabbits. The GFP Bunny is Davis’ creation of a green fluorescent rabbit. Davis, along with other scientists prior to him, plucked a fluorescent protein from a jelly fish,-identified as Aequorea Victoria- modified the gene and made the properties twice as powerful, and then injected it into a rabbit cell. This injection of a fluorescent gene traveled all throughout the cells of the rabbit and it began to glow. 

Aequorea Victor

This was monumental in biotechnology. Since the discovery of this fluorescent protein in Aeuqorea Victoria jellyfish, it has become one of the most important tools used in contemporary science. Due to Davis’ experiment with “Alba,” researchers have now developed ways to watch processes that were previously invisible, such as the development of nerve cells in the brain or how cancer cells spread. The use of biotechnology leads researchers to understand that genetic variations can work to their advantage when it comes to creating art. 

The use of biotechnology in tissue culture, animals, and in fields that involves shock realm is important for our culture, especially in technology, because it explores new ways in which we can express our body as an art but through the use of technology. 

Joe Davis <http://www.viewingspace.com/genetics_culture/pages_genetics_culture/gc_w03/davis_j_webarchive/davis_profile_sciam/0401davisecoli.gif>

Bunny 

<http://www.conncoll.edu/ccacad/zimmer/GFP-ww/images/alba2.jpg>

Aequorea Victoria <https://oceanuts.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/download-moon-jellyfish-hd-wallpaper.jpg>

Genesthetics: Molecular Biology and Microbiology in the Arts <http://www.viewingspace.com/genetics_culture/pages_genetics_culture/gc_w03/davis_audio_scope.htm>

GFP Bunny <http://www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html>