Event 5: Singular Spaces: From the Eccentric to the Extraordinary in Spanish Art Environments

  The Singular Spaces exhibition at the Fowler Museum was definitely my favorite of the five events I attended. The artworks were more artistically pleasing to me than the others. Each artwork had its own narrative and tells of the experiences each artists had that relates to the artwork. What is special about each artists creation is that they are not for monetary gains, but for personal expression.

  My favorite piece at the exhibition is a picture of a museum that the artist dedicated to his friend. The artist's friend was also a fisherman and was dragged overboard to his death during a storm in 1959. The gravity of losing a close friend led him to discontinue his career as a fishermen. I really like the Spanish feel of this piece with the choices of color. It looks like a miniature boat covered by objects related to the sea. There's also different country flags placed around the "boat" which I think displays the artists sympathy to all who has lost their loved ones at sea. I believe this memorial is a symbol of true brotherhood. 

  This labyrinth created by Josep Pujiula i Vila using branches found in the area demonstrates perseverance and meticulousness. Although it is an artistic creation, the creation of the labyrinth also required physical labor. To find or cut branches of perfect length and to carefully weave them together takes a lot of patience. This piece is also a reflection on our lives as a whole. To create something so fine and complicated takes time and dedication. For us to be successful in life, we must stay positive and be passionate. There may be times when we are lost or lose hope, but there are better times ahead of us.

  This castle-like art piece reminds me of the architecture in the Disney movie "Under the Sea." It brought back fond memories of my childhood where I would pretend to be the king of a castle. This artwork shows that symmetry is not everything. The combination of the curvature and patterns sculpted onto the walls shows the beauty of handcraft.

  I feel like it's hard to appreciate these works of art without being physically present at each place. There's a lot of minute details that cannot be seen from the outside and there are also more aesthetics that can be found inside as well.

Event 4: Gallery for Contemporary Investigative Art: The Kapelica Case

  I found Jurij Krpan's lecture on the Kapelica Gallery quite fascinating. The way artists have combined art and science together was thought-provoking yet sometimes slightly disturbing. Jurij Krpan stressed the importance how Aristotle's belief in the "Good Life" played a tremendous role in each artwork.

  This art piece involved the artist herself. The artist was a dancer who lost both her legs because of a fatal virus found in her body during breast implant surgery. In the image above, the artist asks non-handicapped people to mimic her dance moves while on crutch like sticks. The non-handicapped struggle because they are not use to the complications. This piece attempts to put the handicapped in a position of power.

  Mr. Krpan said that many artworks that treat human life as an object involves unhealthy people. The person above may seem healthy on the outside, but on the inside cystic fibrosis is heavily affecting his body. It shows how the outer appearance do not necessarily tell the whole story of someone. 

  This conceptual speculative design shows the relationship of animals to humans in a different way. In this piece, the dog is running on a conveyor belt and is pumping air into the owners lungs. It is not scientifically possible but it makes people think about how one could make that happen. 

  

  The most important concept I took out of this lecture was when Mr. Krpan said that he enjoys art because art uses all of our senses. "All our senses are working at the same time, which enables us to be immersed into the sensory environment. It creates a new space for reflection." 

  

Event 3: Making Strange

  The Gagawaka artworks reminds me of a fashion stylist who attempts to create "unique" clothing by using simple materials that we use in our daily lives. Then they would be showcased on a runway where people laud the fashion stylist with the highest of praises. The whole thing seemed very satirical to me. There were mannequins wearing dresses made of tampons, paper cups, bra's, and other random sorts of material. The artwork was playful yet thought-provoking. The dresses show mock pop-culture and show how ridiculously some people in pop-culture would dress. But we the fans would not second guess the celebrity and copy his or her style. On the other hand, using recycled material shows the artists thoughts on globalization and his stance on pollution.

  The Postmortem artworks, on the other hand, was interesting to say the least. It was graphic reminds of the T.V Show "Criminal Minds" and the Horror Movie "Human Centipede." The way the anatomical models were attached seemed like they came from a horror film and were created by a psychopath. By no means am I saying the artist is a psychopath. The artworks just gave off a very chaotic look. The positions each anatomical models were attached to one another was very weird, yet the way they were connected seemed plausible, as if I could see it working normally that way. I am not an art expert so when art pieces are graphic and "different," it is hard for me to appreciate them.

  This exhibition was very visually stimulating. It shows the artistic freedom and imagination many people have. The Gagawaka artworks was more fun to look at in my opinion while the Postmortem artworks made me slightly uncomfortable. It seems that the more exhibitions I attend, the more I understand each artists' personality.

Event 2: Jane Chang Mi Gallery

Jane Chang Mi's Gallery

  On May 28, I visited Jane Chang Mi's art gallery at Broad. I found the exhibit simple, yet beautiful. At first, I did not know if I was allowed to walk onto the gravel. But I eventually mustered the courage to walk into the gallery. This is actually something I realized. Most exhibits I've attended this quarter for this class do not have anything that prevents the audience from touching the art pieces. There is nothing that distinguishes an interactive art piece from those that aren't supposed to be touched.

Black Ice

The Frozen Sea

  Even after the viewing the exhibit, the gravel is what stuck with me the most about Mi's exhibition. To me, the gravel was an attempt to simulate the cold and barren weather in Antarctica. Along with the video of a penguin in Antarctica and a generative animation labeled as "Black Ice," the whole vibe I got was peacefulness and tranquility. The generative animation was by far the coolest feature there. The white animation kind of looked like a dendrite to me and it would slowly rotate and move.

Proof that I was there

Antarctic Treaty

  There was also a book that read "Antarctic Treaty." This book raises the question of who has the rights to Antarctica. Upon further research, I found out that although Antarctica has no government, various countries have claimed sovereignty in certain regions. It's interesting to see the contrast of a barren landscape to the battle for claims to this cold and dry land.

  I think that the distinction between calmness and turbulence was a powerful message. From a picture, Antarctica seems very tranquil. However in actuality, the place is very dangerous.

Penguin Video

Archival Inkjet Prints

Event 1: Kathy High Exhibit

  On May 6th, 2015, I attended the Kathy High Exhibition at CNIS. At first glance, the exhibition did not seem to be anything special. There were some portraits of the artist, some whacky photoshopped pictures of intestines, a few "vials" with feces in them, and a short video about fecal matter. However, thankfully there was a curator to give me some context on Kathy's artwork.

  I believe in order to really understand an artists artwork, the artists motives must be explained. Although it may provide a biased view on the artists art, I believe the most important goal of an artwork is to present the artists original idea. 

  So analyzing each artwork again, I realized the significance and the deeper meaning each peice represented. Along one wall were portraits of Kathy High imitating the pictures on a few of David Bowie album covers. She is a huge fan of David Bowie which brings me to her next artwork. 

  From a huge print out of a letter Kathy wrote to David Bowie (she has not sent the letter yet), I find out that Kathy has Crohn's disease. One way to treat Crohn's disease is to conduct a fecal transplantation into the patients colon. The vial of feces represents those of David Bowie's and how she wishes that he would donate his feces to her. 

  Upon closer inspection, the photoshopped pictures of plants thriving on intestines with teenagers cheerfully next to them are heavily pixelated. I wonder if it was done on purpose and what the significance of it is. To me, this part of the gallery was what puzzled me the most. I didn't understand the overall idea the artist was trying to convey.

  Overall, I found this exhibition quite interesting. You could tell that her artwork was inspired by her medical condition and her infatuation for David Bowie. The gallery as a whole was whacky but it also gives insight into how Kathy High thinks. I believe you can learn a lot about a person through his or her artwork.

Week 9: Space and Art

  From using sundials to tell the time of day to studying the stars using only the naked eye, people have been intrigued with the outer space. Until the 20th century, the space exploration seemed impossible. With the launch of Sputnik 1, the world's first artificial satellite with the size of about a beach ball, in October 4, 1957, space exploration erupted (Sputnik). A decade later, the first moon landing occurred. The Cold War especially helped improve our technology which allowed for many advances in the study of outer space.

  The space exploration hype also led to many productions of space related movies or TV shows. Star Trek, an American science fiction franchise, is an example of the space exploration influence. Although Star Trek purely science fiction, there are Star Trek technology that we use today. To name a few, we now have automatic sliding doors, touchscreen computers or the iPad, and a universal translator or the Skype Translator (CNN Money). 

  Space exploration has broadened our knowledge of the world. We now realize how small we are and through studying other planets and universes, our imagination and curiosity have also expanded. As of 2014, there are currently two space stations in orbit used as a research platform. Space travel for civilians may be possible in the future at this rate of progression. 

    

Citation:

"A Brief History of Space Exploration." A Brief History of Space Exploration. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.

"Automatic Doors." CNNMoney. Cable News Network, n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.

"Microsoft Emulates Star Trek, Turns Skype into a Universal Translator | Microsoft | Geek.com." Geekcom. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.

"Sputnik." Sputnik. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.

"Sputnik: 50 Years Ago." Sputnik. N.p., n.d. Web. 31 May 2015.

Week 8: Nanotech + Art

 Since nanotechnology is the understanding and control of matter at the nanoscale, the first thing that popped into my mind is the creation of the atomic bomb (Nano.gov). Although nanotech and atomic engineering are not the same thing, I figured nanotech could create powerful weapons. Upon further research, The Department of Defense has shown the feasibility of creating a new class of weaponry- compact, powerful bombs that use nanometals (TheNanoAge.com). Laser system have also benefited from nanotechnology because smaller drones can pinpoint the lasers effectively and can help people reach places they can't (The Global Journal).

 Nanotech can also been seen in other areas of art as well. In sports, nanotech has the ability to make tennis balls last longer, produce more power in golf clubs and hockey sticks, create more hydrodynamic swimsuit, and reduce the weight of a bicycle frame enough so that it can be held by a pinky finger (SportTechie). With these new developments, does it make competitive sports fair? If you were without the advantageous technology, you would be at a disadvantage. And because an athlete is given better equipments, they are more likely to break records for an example. Overall, nanotechnology has helped art grow, but ethically it may provide some issues.

Citations:

Gimzewski, Jim. "Nanotech Jim Pt1." YouTube. YouTube, 21 May 2012. Web. 24 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE>.

"Military Nanotechnology Applications • TheNanoAge.com." Military Nanotechnology Applications • TheNanoAge.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2015.

"Present and Future Impacts of Nanotechnology in Sports - SportTechie." SportTechie. N.p., 15 July 2014. Web. 26 May 2015.

"The Future of Nanotechnology in Warfare | The Global Journal." The Future of Nanotechnology in Warfare | The Global Journal. N.p., n.d. Web. 26 May 2015.

"What Is Nanotechnology?" What Is Nanotechnology? N.p., n.d. Web. 24 May 2015. <http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition>.

Week 7: Neuroscience + Art

  The human brain is the greatest gift we have been given. In the span of approximately 125,000 years, with the help of our intelligence, we have evolved and developed. However, the study of the brain has only started recently. The ability of our brain to be creative has led to many artistic creations. One way people try to unleash their creative potential is through the use of recreational drugs.

 

  Albert Hoffman's synthesis of LSD, which causes hallucinations and kaleidoscopic images, made him see and imagine things that cannot happen without the use of drugs (Vesna, pt 3). These kind of drugs are a way for artists to "think outside the box." Whether the use of drugs should be allowed is not something I want to debate about, but it is hard to deny that many famous artists have used them to help them in their crafts (Frazzetto).

  Between the years of 1979 and 1987 when Stephen King wrote 22 novels that were sent to the publisher, King was under the influence of cocaine (Listverse). Many of the Beatles' songs were written under the influence of LSD including "Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds" (FinerMinds). King and Beatles are a few of the many who used drugs to help them create "masterpieces."

  The tinkering of our brain is quite interesting. Drugs may have harmful or beneficial effects depending on the way we perceive it. For an example, can we consider the notion that drugs are used to "control" certain parts of our brain in order to do things we can't possibly do without the help of drugs. We invented airplanes to fly, rockets to travel to outer space, and morphine to stop pain. These are ethical issues and I particularly am indifferent about the use of drugs for recreational purposes. 

Citations:

"5 Famous & Iconic Drug Users That Inspired The World." FinerMinds. N.p., n.d. Web. 18 May 2015.

"10 Literary Figures With Crippling Drug Addictions - Listverse." Listverse. N.p., 22 Aug. 2013. Web. 17 May 2015.

Frazzetto, Giovanni, and Suzanne Anker. "Neuroculture." Nature Reviews Neuroscience Nat Rev Neurosci 10.11 (2009): n. pag. Web. 17 May 2015.

Korte, Travis. "The Influence of Drugs in Art History." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, n.d. Web. 17 May 2015.

Vesna, Victoria. "Unit 7." DESMA 9. United States, Los Angeles. 17 May 2015. Lecture

 

  

Biotechnology and Art

 

  The exploration of biotechnology in art is quite controversial in my mind. Certain forms of art created through biotechnology may bring up questions about ethics while other "art" using biotechnology may not be as scrutinized. For an example, Joe Davis work on Microvenus is so heavily controversial that no museum is willing to display it. Davis worked with microbiologists to alter bacterial DNA in order to send human life into space (Vesna, pt. 1). The manipulation of genetics is at issue because of how progressive we have become in the modern era. Most people believe that animals should not be hurt in the process of scientific discovery.

  However, for plants we are more inclined to turn a blind eye. We often participate in buying genetically modified foods or plants. In the article Weird Science: Biotechnology as an Art Form, artist George Gessert mentions, "Any time you go to a flower shop and buy a bunch of flowers for a friend, you are participating in a process selection. If you get the blue irises and not the purple irises, it has an economic ripple in the greenhouse or on the field... (ARTnews).

  From my perspective, genetically modifying anything is a bit weird. The thought of mutations developing within an animal or living cells grosses me out. It's not natural and I fear that the exploration of biotechnology may lead to dangerous or harmful uses of science.

Citations:

"Explaining The Difference Between Genetically Modified Organisms And Genetically Engineered Food." . News. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.

"Microvenus: Joe Davis : Genetics and Culture." Microvenus: Joe Davis : Genetics and Culture. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.

"National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences." What Is Ethics in Research & Why Is It Important? N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.

Vesna, Victoria. "Unit 7." DESMA 9. United States, Los Angeles. 10 May 2015. Lecture.

"Weird Science: Biotechnology as Art Form." ARTnews. N.p., n.d. Web. 10 May 2015.

Midterm Project

Week 4: Medicine+Technology+Art

  "I will pass over the other arts in silence and direct my words for a while to that which is responsible for the health of mankind; certainly of all the arts that human genius has discovered, this is by far the most useful, indispensable, difficult, and laborious." - (Andreas Vesalius, De Humani Corporus Fabrica)

  Vesalius, the Founder of Human Anatomy, revolutionized the science of medicine. He was the first to provide an accurate description of the internal structures of the human body (Vesna, Pt 1). It marked the beginning of an art that not only beautifies the human body but also helps improve lives. The technological advances of medicine has led to miraculous amounts of lives saved. Those people with disabilities inspire or even have a great impact in society.

  A notable example is Stephen Hawkings. At the age of 21, while studying cosmology at the University of Cambridge, Stephen Hawkings was diagnosed with amyotrophic sclerosis. Although he was given a life of expectancy of 2 years, Hawkings continued his studies and has done groundbreaking work in physics and cosmology and his books have helped to make science more accessible to everyone (Bio.com). 

Stephen Hawkings

  Hawkings paralysis eventually left him with slurred speech along with other disabilities. However with the invention of the speech-generating device, Hawkings was eventually able to direct the program through a cheek muscle attached to a sensor (Bio.com). This technology in a sense is an artwork that allows someone with a disability to communicate. Thanks to the improvements in medicine and technology, many people with disabilities are less inhibited. For Hawkings, he was able to contribute a vast amount of knowledge to the scientific community.

Stephen Hawkings in the Simpsons

  Through his struggle and persistence, Hawkings has also inspired others in many ways; TV shows and movies have included or referenced him such as the Simpsons, Futurama, The Big Bang Theory and etc. London's Science Museum even collaborated with him and an artist, David Hockney (Science Museum). Hawkings' reverence is an inspration to all and has influenced many artworks as well. 

Citations:

"10 times Stephen Hawking Met Pop Culture." ABC News. N.p., 09 Oct. 2014. Web. 26 Apr. 2015.

"Andreas Vesalius." And the Modern Human Anatomy. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2015.

"Science Meets Art: Hawking and Hockney United in One Culture." - Science Museum. N.p., n.d.     Web. 26 Apr. 2015.

"Stephen Hawking Biography." Bio.com. A&E Networks Television, n.d. Web. 26 Apr. 2015.

Vesna, Victoria. "Medicine Pt1." YouTube. YouTube, 21 Apr. 2012. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep0M2bOM9Tk