Fowler Museum - Making Strange

Making Strange has quite a fitting name. The mixture of the surreal and uneasy is meant to evoke new thoughts on what is an accepted form of fashion, art, and the human body. First I would like to discuss the portion of the exhibit that focuses on a distortion of the human form. Figure 1 displays an anatomical model that has been configured with a scapula erupting from the chest cavity and several other misplaced organs.

Figure 1: Disfigured anatomical model

This work of art shows an intentional perversion of the human body. Bits are jumbled up, disproportionate, and mixed together. This piece of art really speaks to the sections regarding the human body, especially in biotechnology. Disrupting the human form is something that is generally frowned upon and seems innately repulsing. Classical descriptions have always praised the human body, where here we look at it from a different perspective. This change in perspective really allows the observer to appreciate what is the strange.

Moving along, I will focus more on the Gagawaka pieces of art that form fashionable attire from nonconventional materials. Figure 2 displays a dress made from x ray film.

Figure 2: A dress made from x ray film

This piece directly bridges the gap between medicine and fashion. I really enjoyed this piece in that anything could be transformed into fashionable wear. In addition, the garment has an added layer of depth in the x ray film. I made an effort to look closely at the film to check for any broken bones! I appreciate this kind of art that warrants close inspection and an attention to details.

The final piece I will discuss can relate back to our section on art and neuroscience. Figure 3 displays a clean room jumper filled with pills.

Figure 3: A jumpsuit filled with colorful pills

These pills can be a social commentary on the overabundance of prescription drug usage by the public. Drugs can be used to augment our minds and thoughts in order to change our perspective on the world. This theme of changing perspective is prevalent throughout the entire exhibit. The theme of changing one’s perspective is vital in order to be open-minded and see the world differently. Those who see the world differently will make the world different.   

Lastly here is a picture of me posing with the exhibit title!

Singular Spaces - The Fowler Museum

Singular Spaces focused on art pieces photographed by Jo Farb Hernández, and created by several self-taught artists throughout Spain. Several of the works are monumental in size and relate to the material covered in class. The first piece I would like to discuss is my favorite from the exhibit and is pictured in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Fantastical castle

This castle was constructed and seems to defy the agreed upon norms of construction. The towers and parapets curve whimsically, and the entire castle seems to be built from a dream. However, significant care must have been put into the structural stability of the piece. I can be seen the curving tower is being braced with two supports. The larger the structure grows, the more impressive of an engineering feat it becomes.

Next, in Figure 2, is a piece that utilizes thousands of clams in order to decorate the entire surface of a home.

Figure 2:  Courtyard completely decorated with clam shells

This piece of art allows me to recall the golden ratio, and the design of several shellfish. Humans are innately attracted to the golden ratio, and it appears in several well known works of art and architecture. This same ratio can be displayed in the shells of sea snails and other shellfish.

This third piece comes from an artist who has sculpted several giant human heads. In the work, several huts have been constructed in the form of a head, with the doorway as a mouth. This obsession with the human head and form is mirrored in several other works of art. In addition, the act of being inside a giant head also makes the observer think of the inner workings of the mind. By walking around inside a giant head, it is almost likely that you could accidentally stumble into the dreams of a giant. Figure 3 displays an example of one of these giant heads peeking out from under a lake.

Figure 3: A giant's head above the surface of a lake

The last piece I will discuss once again brings back the theme of unity that I touched on in my previous event blog. Figure 4 displays several humanoid sculptures.

Figure 4: These sculptures represent several nations coming together.

The scenes depicted by these stone men vary from several Bible verses to historical events. The work in Figure 4 represents participants from several countries coming together. This idea of unity is critical in order to bridge the gap between the two cultures in our society.

And here’s a bonus picture of me at the exhibit.

Provacations - The Hammer Museum

The works developed by the Heatherwick Studio proved to be both fascinating and innovative. Many of the works on display have made it clear to me the relationship between art and technology. Where technology blazes the trail of scientific innovation, art inspires and motivates the scientific community to bring imagination to life in new ways.

One piece that emphasizes that point is the bridge of glass, pictured in Figure 1. This artistic piece must rely on materials science engineering, as well as civil engineering in order to be feasible. The brittle nature of glass makes it an inferior material for use in structures, but the artists at the Heatherwick studio made their creation possible. In many ways I am sure the professionals who developed the bridge appreciated the level of detail and knowledge gained when working with such a brittle building material. There is no room for error.

Figure 1: Miniature of glass bridge

This imaginative construction is a constant theme throughout the exhibit. Several structures were on display including designs for parks or entire communities. These designs usually mimicked nature or had a very natural element to them. By replicating nature, the buildings break the mold of traditional structural design. This further pushes structural technology to its limits. The use of carbon nanotubes or other nanotechnology may allow similar structures to be built in the future.

The rotating chairs were the most fun and interactive exhibit. Undoubtedly, much thought was taken into account to design the overall shape of the piece. The piece strived for rotational symmetry while also allowing the user the rotate about without falling over. The geometry of the chair must have been such that it could withstand a significant displacement from a user without its center of mass from extending past the lower rim. This design relied heavily on the mathematics of the design, as well as its artistic value.

Figure 2: Geometrical interior of rotating chairs allows for stability

Another piece on display that related to material learned in this class was the handbag made from a single strip of zipper. Fascinating aspect about these handbags is that the final shape is determined by how the bag is zipped together. Figure 3 displays an image of the exhibit.

Figure 3: Zipper handbag exhibit

In addition, I have included a video that allows for the mathematical mechanism of a similar bag to be more fully understood.

The final piece that I wish to mention also happens to be my favorite. The Olympic torch for the 2012 games in London symbolized the coming together of several different entities into one, larger and more powerful union. This great collective aptly represents the separate nations of our world joining together in the celebration of competition. This same unity is what will drive the artistic and scientific communities to achieve new heights.

Figure 4: Me with pieces from the Olympic torch

Figure 5: My ticket for admittance

Week 9 - Art and Space

This week I be discussing the idea of habitation in space and its effect on the human body, and how art has portrayed the concept in the past. During the beginning of the Space Race between the US and Russia, very little was known about the effects of space on the human body. Some thought that the feeling of weightlessness would disorientate astronauts or make regular bodily functions impossible. Although this idea was quickly disproved, the absence of gravity still has detrimental effects through the atrophy of muscles, and complications with human reproduction (Shere, J.). Most of the early Gemini and Apollo missions were to verify that human beings would be physically capable of living in space for the time required to get to the moon and back (Kranz,G.).

Figure 1: Astronaut using a negative pressure chamber in order to increase blood flow and prevent detrimental effects due to long exposure to a microgravity environment.

More recently, the human population in space has become more consistent with 6 astronauts currently living in the International Space Station (Eshbach, B.). With past advances taken into account, one must ask what is next when it comes to creating habitations in space or even other planets. One concept that is scientifically favored is presented in Larry Niven’s Ringworld. Niven introduces the concept of a space station constructed like a donut or halo. This ring would rotate causing a centripetal acceleration that would mimic the force of gravity for the occupants. Replicating the force of gravity will be instrumental in developing a permanently populated structure in space.

Figure 2: Science fiction concept of a ring-shaped space station.

In addition to habitats in space, habitats on other celestial bodies will be critical for the advancement of the human race. Developing habitats on an alien surface will require large amounts of advanced robotic and manufacturing technology. The following video features Rob Mueller of NASA discussing his approach to creating habitable structures on the Martian surface.

Figure 3: Rob Mueller discusses a promising strategy for developing habitats on Mars

Expanding human habitability in space will lead to a massive furthering of man’s innate pioneering spirit. Future generations will be able to blast off into the truly final frontier.

Works Cited

Eshbach, Brad. "How Many People Are In Space Right Now?" How Many People Are In Space Right Now? Web. 30 May 2015.

"Gravity Hurts (So Good)." NASA. NASA, 2 Aug. 2001. Web. 30 May 2015.

Kranz, Gene. Failure Is Not an Option. New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2000. Print.

Niven, Larry. Ringworld. New York: Ballantine, 1970. Print.

 Shere, Jeremy. "Rats in Space." Space XXVII.1 (2004). University of Indiana. Trustees of Indiana University. Web. 30 May 2015.

Week 8 - Art and Nanotechnology

Carbon Nanotubes have a vast diversity in potential applications. The structure of the carbon nanotube is unique in its ability to serve as a perfect electrical conductor. This property allows for carbon nanotube technology (CNT) to be used in electrical components, superconductors, and batteries (Endo, M.).

                                                                                                                                                           

Figure 1: Carbon Nanotube Structure. [Source: www.dsaic.org]

 CNT is also advancing in healthcare technology. CNT can be used to augment nanomedicine due to its low toxicity and ability to quickly deliver desired drugs into cells and organs (Bianco, A.). Furthermore, CNT can be arranged into a sponge-like structure in order to absorb multiple times its weight in oil (understandingnano.com). This application can minimize the damage due to oil spills. As I mentioned, the applications of CNT technology is only limited by the user’s imagination. But what is the most important application of CNT to art?

CNT structure allows for great structural strength and flexibility. The use of CNT will be able to revolutionize structures and architecture in the future. In several ways, art pushes architects and civil engineers to master their skills. Introducing CNT will be able to create buildings from imagination into reality. CNT buildings will allow for thinner support columns, more usable space, and buildings that seamlessly interact with nature.

Figure 2: Example of a carbon nanotube structure. [lifeafterpeople.wikia.com]

This structural property allows for CNT to be the material of choice for another idea from imagination; a space elevator. A space elevator is a fabled structure that will allow for more efficient access to space. This elevator would require enough strength in order to prevent from buckling under its own weight.

Figure 3: Space elevator. [Source: io9.com]

The advancement of carbon nanotube technology will allow for leaps in several scientific and artistic fields of study.

Works Cited

Bianco, Alberto, Kostas Kostarelo, and Maurizio Prato. "Applications of Carbon Nanotubes in Drug Delivery." Current Opinion in Chemical Biology 9.6 (2005): 674-79. Print.

Boysen, Earl. "Carbon Nanotube Applications and Uses." Understanding Nano. Technical Writing LLC. Web. 24 May 2015.

Endo, Morinobu, Michael Strano, and Pulickel Ajayan. "Potential Applications of Carbon Nanotubes." Topics in Applied Physics 111 (2008): 13-62. Springer Link. Springer. Web. 24 May 2015.

Joon Jung, Yung. "Aligned Carbon Nanotube−Polymer Hybrid Architectures for Diverse Flexible Electronic Applications." Nano Letters 6.3 (2006): 413-18. ACS Publications. Web. 24 May 2015.

Mack, Eric. "Building a Space Elevator Starts with a Lunar Elevator by 2020." Gizmag 9 Dec. 2014. Print.

Art and Neuroscience

Drug use affects chemical balances in the brain causing euphoria, extra-sensory sensations, and even hallucinations. Most drugs have a beneficial effect, causing many to be used by modern medical practices. No drug is without side effects however. The use of several drugs, especially when not prescribed, can have long lasting effects on the brain.

Figure 1: Diagram of neurotransmitters

Drugs such as cocaine and amphetamines activate the brain’s pleasure circuit. Cocaine affects chemicals as they are being transmitted, while methamphetamines causes an increase in the dispersal of neurotransmitters (drugabuse.gov). Affecting this chemical communication leads to the euphoric feelings of the drug and are the main proponent for developing addictive tendencies.

 As mentioned in the lecture, artists have often utilized drugs in order to gather inspiration from their unconscious mind. Perhaps inspired by Leary’s experiments with LSD, one artist took it upon himself to portray the effects 52 different drugs had on his self perception. The following figures display a sample of the resulting self portraits.

Figure 2: Self portrait of an artist under the influence of Ambien

Figure 3: Self portrait of an artist under the influence of crystal meth

The effect of different drugs on one’s psyche is expressed through the portraits. The portrait induced by meth shows the chaotic and blurry nature of the trip. On the other hand, the portrait induced by Ambien, a depressant, allows for more detail to be put into the drawing. Drugs’ ability to change our perception of ourselves is very dangerous in nature. One must keep in mind if the drug is pulling you closer to or farther away from reality (George, F.).

Works Cited

"Ambien." Drugs.com. Web. 16 May 2015. [http://www.drugs.com/cons/ambien.html]

"Artist Creates Self-Portraits On Different Drugs, And The Results Are Insane." Elite Daily. Ed. Robert Anthony. Web. 16 May 2015.

"Effects of Drugs on the Brain." Drugabuse.gov. 7 May 2015. Web. 16 May 2015.

George, F. "Mind-Altering Drug and Self-Perception." Orthodoxy and Recovery. Blogger, 14 Mar. 2012. Web. 16 May 2015.

Gillespie, Nick. "Psychedelic, Man." The Washington Post 15 June 2006, Books sec. Web. 16 May 2015.

Week 6 - Art and Biotechnology

Biotechnology and art has lead to scientific and artistic advances as seen in this week’s lecture. The Renaissance breathed life into an art movement focusing on the idealized human body. This focus on the human form can be seen in Leonardo’s Vitruvian Man and Michelangelo’s David. 

Figure 1: Leonardo's Vitruvian Man displays ideal human proportions. [Source: www.italianrenaissanceresources,com]

With the growth of biotechnology, there is an ability to genetically render the ideal human body. Current technology provides parents with more control over what attributes their future child will possess. In addition, there are means for determining a risk of contracting certain diseases or being born with a defect {Gerard, E.).  The manipulation of human genetics is an opportunity to fulfill the Classical treatment of the human body, but it is also a topic of heated debate.

Eugenics is the act of selective breeding humans in order to promote the spread of a certain gene, and suppress others. There also exists a realm of genetic manipulation and transgenic operations that would look to optimizing or enhancing human capability. Putting the questionable ethicsaside, the pursuit of the idealized human form has penetrated modern art and society.  Nietzsche brought forward the idea of the Ubermensch or “over man” as a means of philosophical discussion of what a man should be (Nietzche). The concept of the Ubermensch went on to inspire the most classical superhero of the modern era: Superman. 

Figure 2: Superman is the modern day incarnation of Nietzsche's Ubermensch. [Source: www.sea-globe.com]

The world has a fascination with these comic book super heroes as they excel the natural laws of humanity and define what it means to be better than human. Superman, with his restraint of unlimited strength has become a figure of what a man, culture, or society should be.  Another superhero that has been born of genetic modification is Captain America. As opposed to Superman’s strength to carry skyscrapers, Captain America is the story of a frail man brought to the best of human potential through the use of genetic modification. These figures pervade modern pop culture and hark back to the original Renaissance and Classical image of the human body.

Figure 3: Captain America as a by-product of genetic experimentation in humans. [Source: www.rellimzone.com]

With the state of modern biotechnology, scientists have the capability and the burden of determining everything a human should be for generations to come.

Works Cited

Burkhardt Jr., Todd. "Operation Rebirth: Captain America and the Ethics of Enhancement." Philosophy Now. 2007. Web. 10 May 2015.

. Garrard, Eve, and Stephen Wilkinson. "The Language of Eugenics." Eugenics and the Ethics of Selective Reproduction (2013). Keele University. Web. 10 May 2015.

"Nietzsche's Idea of an Overman and Life from His Point of View." Stanford University. Web. 10 May 2015.

"The Classical Image of the Body." Italian Renaissance Learning Resources. National Gallery of Art. Web. 10 May 2015.

"TOP 5: SUPERHERO SOCIAL COMMENTARIES." Globe. 27 June 2013. Web. 10 May 2015.