Final Project

Link to Final Project can be found here:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ooq0KDG9UdYW9TRTEtR3JJcXM/view?usp=sharing

Event 4: Getty Museum's Reinventing Photography: Light, Paper, Process

I have been to Getty Museum once before, and I never walked into the Photography exhibit located a little deeper on the premise. I had the choice of looking at the art history collection to find any mathematical sequencing that artists focused on in the past, or to take a look at something a little more modern. Thankfully, the current exhibit right now is Reinventing Photography, which was a great opportunity for me to learn about the different developments and inventions that are going on in this field.

I love taking photos, but I have never studied photography, so I only know the basics of good lighting and settings. The art that I saw today really opened by eyes to how far photography can really go -- it's not just a snapshot of a moment in time. It could be a series of photos taken in the most abnormal and creative ways. Most of these artists, I learned, are multimedia artist who use several different techniques to arrive at their masterpiece.

My favorite piece in this exhibit was Lisa Oppenheim's Lunagrams #1-13. She picked up glass plate negatives of the moon which were made way back in 1850 by astronomer, John Williams Draper. After creating an enlarged copy negatives, she exposed sheets of photographic paper to moonlight at the same phases of a lunar cycle depicted in the negatives. She then toned the prints with silver to capture the magical ethereal qualities that prints from the original negatives must have conveyed when first presented a century a half ago. She wanted to bring nostalgia to when the pioneers of Astronomy first made these discoveries. To create the glow effect of what it must have felt like -- both surreal and disbelief, yet optimistic with the limitless wonders of the World.

Another artist, Matthew Brandt, surprised me with how he utilitized the labor intensive heliograph process, where metal plates are coated with sticky tar like substance that gardens with exposure to sunlight. After photographing exhibits of prehistoric animals in the page museum, Brandt wanted to make large scale heliographs or sun picture in sheets of aluminum using tar gathered from nearby La Brea tar pits. It's interesting how he literally used parts of history (tar pits) to create a modernized piece. This conveys a sense of loss for creatures and buildings that no longer exist. He wanted to use the preserved the memories of fossilized skeletons and photographs to depict their void today. 

After this exhibit, I have developed a new love for photography. It's not as simple as what meets the eye. There are several ways to transform it and develop new technologies to "reinvent" photography. This medium has been around for a while, but with greater access to digital media now in this generation, it makes being a multimedia artist both fun and inventive. 

Event 3: Fowler Museum's Making Strange

It was very exciting to learn that Vivian Sundaram put together this entire exhibit -- which kind of seemed like a little fashion collection when you first walk in. Making Strange has a very obvious theme -- to remake garments with recyclable materials. However, there is a deeper message being communicated. 

Making Strange explores the idea that clothing and the human body are inseparable. Sundaram captures the tension between beauty and illness, pleasure and pain, life and death. This effect is generated through modernist avant-garde aesthetic strategies, high fashion, recycled materials, and pop cultural references. As you can see, the garment she designed is stuck onto a mannequin. It is made out of old hose material. This type of "haute" couture is "strange" yet highly inventive and may strike you to think... what do I decorate my body with?

Sundaram not only explores one type of culture, but chooses to expand throughout the entire world. If there is one thing every race can connect to is our clothing. The mannequin below -- her attire is made from old hospital masks. Could her life have been dedicated towards nursing? Is Vivian indicating that this "uniform" has simply just become a part of her?

One of my favorite pieces in this exhibit, is the one pictured below. It shows the concept of life and death. The mannequin is watching herself on her death bed. Also, the bed seems to be formed by two convex shapes, which reminded me of the Jesus fish. Is this a representation of someone "saving" themselves?

Event 2: Hammer Museum's Provocations: The Architecture and Design of Heatherwick Studio

This is one of my favorite exhibits of all time. I have been to several different museums of modern art (LACMA, SFMOMA, MoMA) and I've never been more intrigued. Every single piece had a purpose that I could relate to, and see it's impact fully in today's society.

The main theme of this exhibit is -- to answer a question.

I realized that Heatherwick is an amazing inventor, not only because he finds the most creative solutions, but because of his ability to pose the most explorative questions.

Heatherwick doesn't just have eye for aesthetics and contemporary design (later I found that he is a designer for Longchamp). His unique ability to blend both technology and art together is what truly makes his work stand out beyond his peers. For example, a trending photo opportunity in the LA area right now on Facebook and Instagram is his spun chairs. After going through the studio, I learned exactly why he invented something like this. He wanted to know if it was possible to rotate while sitting down. Thus he created an art piece that people can enjoy "riding."

This is a place to go to if you're searching for inspiration. Heatherwick is very well known for being a concept artist for bridges. If you see the paintings, you'll notice that the new forms of architecture are both environmentally sustainable and efficient for metropolitan areas.

He even digs into a revolution for furniture by bringing his creations back in the wood shop to create everyday, simple products such as the cabinet, and transforming it into something cooler. He uses hinges to help expand, hide, and save space. I truly can't wait for these to hit the market!

Event 1: Hammer Museum's Lauren Bon & Metabolic Studio

This was such an interesting experience because when I first walked into the room, everything was completely dark except for moving light shadows peeking behind the curtain. I walked behind to see what was creating the ripple effect. I noticed that there was something pulsing inside a glass bowl containing water and a lightbulb inside.

At first, I couldn't really tell what was going on. However, after examining exactly what the different components were in this art piece, I learned that the ripples were being created from sound waves, generated by a speaker.

What was the message that the artist is sending me?

Here is my thought process:

1. Lauren Bon wanted to incorporate water into her piece, but to make it come alive.

2. Therefore she needed something to make the water "flow." Bring movement to this still liquid form.

Then I asked, but WHY?

3. Thinking back to the title of this presentation, "Metabolic Studio." hm? consume. breakdown. energy.

4. Using my schema and background knowledge... we are in LA, currently in a drought, could it be her vision to spread awareness?

Then I read the pamphlet.

"The Metabolic Studio practices on physical and social brownfields—places that are incapable of supporting life."

I think this is an amazing piece that helps to portray the lack of water in places far from access to big bodies of water. The pulsing effect generates a force to help push water to those cities who don't have this access. The light, water, and sound waves, come together to create this feeling that interprets Lauren Bon's message. In places like Southern California, Nevada, and Arizona, water is pumped into these desertlands. It makes me think... wow how are some of the nation's biggest cities sustainable in the middle of the desert?

Space + Art

This week's lecture focused on how space exploration is being used as a theme for many fields such as fiction writing, art, movies, and music. The curiousity we have with space travel and the limitless possibility of extraterrestrial life makes it so incredibly interesting, drawing the attention of viewers from all different backgrounds. These fantasies become realities through science and engineering. Specifically, with Jules Verne's "From the Earth to the Moon" in 1865 and Arthur Clarke's "The Fountains of Paradise," we see how far an old science fiction has become a true reality for mankind over time. Back then, these ideas seem wayward and idealistic, but it is an art form for those who are grounded in the laws of nature and science. The scientific method states that every experiment begins with a question. Without a challenging imagination, we would never proper forward with our research.

Something very interesting that I have never explored in depth are the effects of war and how it encourages us to make huge jumps in technological advances for weaponry and defense. When the entire country's priority is set on warfare, the effort to succeed is high. This creates a positive externality, since the people will go to great heights to protect their country. This way of thinking has led the country into space exploration to develop technological equipment, such as satellites, to increase their abilities and be prepared. In this generation, space is becoming less of an abstract thought, art has borrowed its beauty as shown in the exhibition, "Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity." This exhibit exemplifies the theme of zero gravity or weightlessness.

A way of identifying art and space is through the universally known arrangement of stars, also coined as the term, constellations. Back in history, people named these patterns and allowed them to trace distinct images in space that resemble artistic subjects. In elementary school, we used to look up at the sky to see if we can find these shapes formed by the shining stars. There are thousands of legends and artistic stories tied behind these figures. If you think about it, that makes "space" a never-ending medium filled with amazing wonders beyond our wildest dreams.  

[1] "Audacious & Outrageous: Space Elevators." NASA Science. N.p., n.d. Web. 27 May 2015. 
<http://science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at-nasa/2000/ast07sep_1/>.

[2] Briggs, Josh. "Top 10 'Star Trek' Technologies That Actually Came True."HowStuffWorks. InfoSpace LLC, 10 Nov. 2009. Web. 27 May 2015.
<http://www.howstuffworks.com/10-star-trek-technologies1.htm#page=3>.

[3] Dir. Victoria Vesna. Space Pt4. YouTube, 30 May 2012. Web. 26 May 2015. 
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J5ClKO6AJPo>.

[4] Verne, Jules. From the earth to the moon. Mt. View, Calif.: Wiretap, 199. Print.

[5] Clarke, Arthur C.. The fountains of Paradise. New York: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich, 1979. Print.

Nanotechnology + Art

Nanoscience is a quickly developing field of research that brings together many different aspects of life and can promote a variety of benefits. It is expected to lead to countless innovations and advancements that can contribute towards addressing many problems facing today’s society. This technology is being integrated into an array of products. However, regardless of nanotechnology’s widespread prevalence, many customers, if not most, are unaware of its influences and brush it off as another scientific theory they come across. We don’t realize we are exposed to nanoparticles in our daily lives.

In order to create an idea of the space nanoscience covers, I will start off with nanoparticle applications in the Manufacturing sector. This includes:

1. Silver nanoparticles in fabric which are used to kill bacteria, making clothing odor-resistant
2. Zinc oxide nanoparticles which can be dispersed in industrial coatings to protect wood, plastic, and textiles from UV ray exposure. 

Secondly, current applications of nanoparticles in the Environment sector include:

1. Gold nanoparticles which are embedded in porous manganese oxide as a room temperature catalyst to breakdown volatile organic pollutants suspended in the air
2. Iron nanoparticles which are used to clean up carbon tetrachloride pollution in our ground water

Nanoparticles can also be applied to the field of Energy and Electronics, as seen with silicon nanoparticles, which are used to coat anodes of lithium-ion batteries to increase battery power and reduce recharge time.

Personally, the most interesting use of nanoscience is color. Color, special effects and intricate patters are all a result of nanotechnology in our everyday lives. If you look at stained glass windows, the color is actually obtained by trapping different color nano-particles into a confined space in order to emit a certain other color. For example, gold nano-particles give you red windows while silver nano-particles give you yellow. Art is meshed with science as the color we enjoy with our eyes is a product of the size of the particles, how they interact with the glass and the way they reflect light.         

[1] "How Nanotechnology Could Reengineer Us." Keithley: A Tektronix Company. Keithley Instruments Inc., n.d. Web. <http://www.keithley.com/knowledgecenter/How-Nanotechnology-Could-Reengineer-Us>.

[2] Kullman, Joe. "Art Form, Nanotechnology Combine to Advance Batteries."Arizona State University News: Science & Tech. Extremetech.com, 22 May 2015. Web. <https://asunews.asu.edu/20131022-chan-lithium-ion-batteries>.

[3] Camara-Campos, Amaya. "Preserving Art at the Nanoscale." Royal Society of Chemistry. RSC Publishing, 7 July 2010. Web. <http://www.rsc.org/Publishing/ChemScience/Volume/2010/08/Preserving_art.asp>.

[4] "Nano in Textiles and Clothing." Nano&Me. Web. 22 May 2015.

<http://www.nanoandme.org/nano-products/textiles-and-clothing/>.

[5] "Gold Nanoparticles in Manganese Oxide Cleans VOCs from Air." Nano&Me. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://www.understandingnano.com/nanoparticles-gold-voc-air-pollution.html>.

[6] Daw, Rosamund. "Nanotechnology Is Ancient History." Theguardian.com. Guardian News and Media, 24 Apr. 2012. Web. 22 May 2015. <http://www.theguardian.com/nanotechnology-world/nanotechnology-is-ancient-history>.

Neuroscience + Art

To me, Neuroscience + Art can be considered a subcomponent of the previous blog assignment, Medtech + Art, because it is involved with the way we map out our bodies through an artistic form. However, now that we are focused on the most magical and infinite organ -- the brain. I am excited to delve deeper into the complexities of the brains which connects the entire nervous system, and controls every aspect of our bodies.

Professor Vesna was talking about the term "phrenology," which is the idea that we can compartmentalize our brains into several sections, assigning each section with a function or role that it plays. Similarly like art and science, the visual representations of these regions are extremely detailed and helps us imagine and understand what specifically is going on. The artists' work is truly underrated -- to be able to combine the scientific knowledge of brain functions with a picture to depict time, memory, depth, personality, and other behaviors, definitely promotes mastery in neuroscience and art.

Digital artist, Ruth West, questions whether or not there should be a separate standard for art involving living organisms and self-living systems. What's the difference between the two? I personally do not think such separate standards are needed since art can be created using so many different instruments that we can’t have separate standards for all when we all universally feel the joys of appreciating good art. I'm a big believer in there being this common enjoyment of art that's the same for a baby and the most experienced connoisseur.


Noah Hutton is a critically acclaimed filmmaker who strongly believes that art and neuroscience go hand in hand because they both enable each other to be a large part of our lives. If you think about the existence of one without the other...it's impossible, they are codependent. Art is the rich content that human life desires while neuroscience is the vehicle in which this content enters our lives. His films focus more on documentaries for a cause such as oil drilling, bone marrow donors, climate change, and dark ecology. His form of art helps communicate using ethos and pathos, allowing specific targeted groups of people to find a sense of intimacy in his work.

Another artist I found interesting is Greg Dunn, a University of Pennsylvania student whose art stems from Japan’s Tokugawa period paintings. I appreciate how minimalistic his work is, yet there is so much power behind these neuron-like branches in how they segment off into different paths representing the uncertainty of our central nervous system. This abstract art can be overlooked and interpreted as a design to most common folk. However, when you take the time to observe what these shapes represent, and how accurately they mimic our brain's neurons, you will be surprised. Just look below -- I pulled up a neuron ink piece of Dunn's collection and a diagram that dissects the components of a neuron. What are the similarities and differences between the two?

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

[2] West , Ruth. "Ruth West Digital Artist." Ruth West Digital Artist. N.p., n.d. Web. 15 May 2015. <http://www.ruthwest.com/>.

[3] Dunn , Greg. "Greg Dunn Design - Visual Art | Neuroscience Art | Gold Leaf Painting."Greg Dunn Design. Visual Art , n.d. Web. 15 May 2015. 
<http://www.gregadunn.com/>.

[4] Dean, Geoffrey. "Phrenology and the Grand Delusion of Experience." CSI. Web. 15 May 2015. <http://www.csicop.org/si/show/phrenology_and_the_grand_delusion_of_experience/>.

[5] "Sleuthing the Mind: Exhibition Review." The Beautiful Brain. 9 Nov. 2014. Web. 15 May 2015. <http://thebeautifulbrain.com/author/noah/>.

Biotech + Art

For non-science majors, how could we simplify “biotechnology?” For beginners, think about the machines used in hospitals. Those were invented and manufactured by doctors and engineers who discovered a need for them to help aid the medical field. When this study intersects with art, we enter a world called “bioart.” This field is the practice where artists use living matter combined with scientific background to reconstruct life.

Biology is the new medium, replacing the traditional such as photography, film, or watercolors. Bioart no longer derives solely from our post-genomic era, but foregrounds what comes next. In envisioning new forms of biological transformation, bioartists scrutinize contemporary bioethical issues to the point of controversy.

For me personally, when I think of art and biotechnology, digital imaging of cells and bacteria come to mind. It’s easy to only view these images as a real life representation of regular bodily components. However, their natural beauty is a form of great art to the human eye. Due to this aesthetic quality, I find Joe Davis’ work extremely unique and special – his ability to tame lightning and direct it to specific sculpture for variations in colors is one of the most genius mediums of art I have studied. To be able to harness one of nature’s most powerful weapons as an artistic instrument is both daring and respectable.

Another bioartist that I respect is Kathy High. She spent months on her conceptual art project: Blood Wars. It was cool how she was able to represent the “fight” between different blood cells in the blood wars. She looks at the biological reaction of competing human white blood cells and also questions traits inherited through blood. This project is a competition in an ironic simulated tournament where different individuals’ white blood cells vie for dominance on the petri dish. This project playfully engages with debates about blood traits and the powerful histories of blood. It helps bring a better understanding of the processes of blood cell division, cell staining, immune cells and the functioning of the immune system, time-lapse microscopy and laboratory protocol.

A good deal of bioart explores the reality of our human bodies and an image that represents what we’re really made up of. The artists teases our curiousity of natural components by forming it into a metaphorical figure.

[1] Vesna, Victoria. "BioTech + Art PT1." BioTech and Art. UCLA. UCLA, Los Angeles. 9 May 2015. Lecture. 

[2] Robinson, Gavin. "MIT Professor building a lightning-harnessing tower as memorial." Geekcom.n.d. Web. 09 May 2015.

<http://www.geek.com/news/mit-professor-building-a-lightning-harnessing-tower-as-memorial-576927/>.

[3] High, Kathy. "Blood Wars." Kathy High: Visual/media Artist, Independent Curator, Educator. Web. 9 May 2015. <http://kathyhigh.com/project-blood-wars.html>.

[4] Miranda, Carolina A. "WEIRD SCIENCE: BIOTECHNOLOGY AS ART FORM." ART NEWS. 18 Mar. 2013. Web. 9 May 2015. <http://www.artnews.com/2013/03/18/biotechnology-as-art-form/>.

[5] Solon, Olivia. "Bioart: The Ethics and Aesthetics of Using Living Tissue as a Medium." Wired. 28 July 2011. Web. 9 May 2015. <http://www.wired.com/2011/07/bioart/>.

Midterm Project

Here is the link to my midterm project:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B-ooq0KDG9UdcE5CenZSbmx3Z3M/view?usp=sharing

Medtech + Art

Could it be possible that anatomical drawings should be viewed as pieces of art? These "human maps" are valuable for the medical field, helping doctors, nurses, therapists to understand and diagnose and prevent any health issues. However, the artist behind the textbook when you took your first human biology class in high school, may have been a digital media artist who worked with doctors to help produce a precise anatomy model. We might not have given the photo much thought, but now we can see how proportions, color, organization is so artistically significant in order to make sure we educate accurately.

I remember the first time I dissected a cow's eye, then when I grew older our class dissected a pre-natal pig. I remember these events so vividly in my science classes -- it was so exciting, gross, intriguing, immoral, and informative -- all at the same time! Professor Vesna speaks on how dissection is a production of art and vice versa. Without the anatomical drawings, we would not know what organs, muscles, or bones we are looking at during the real dissection process. Without dissecting and reproducing the sight, we would have no reference for scientists to further their studies.

Using this week's lecture, combining with what Professor Vesna has incorporated about math, science, and robotics in art, it built the foundation for my conclusion on medicine art - and whether or not this practice is beneficial towards mankind, or working against us. Technology advancements allow us to create a picture of the human anatomy in its clearest form - through x-rays. However these machines are known to be extremely harmful due to its radiation (think about the heavy protection you have to wear during a dentist exam). Even though these images are very important to help us locate certain organs and bones in our body, it may come with a price, especially if we are at the risk of exposure to carcinogenics.

I don't think my blog post would be successful without exploring the most obvious form of medtech and art. Plastic Surgery! The whole concept behind these operations is to make someone feel and look aesthetically pleasing. Whether it's the doctor/artist's way of carefully constructing the patient's nose or augmenting her breasts, this industry specialization requires a clear eye for proportions as well as an extremely reliable background in medical practice. Think back to the golden ratio. Remember Da Vinci's Mona Lisa? He painted a portrait of the "most beautiful" woman, because the proportions of her face (from nose to mouth, mouth to ear, eyes to nose, etc.) were perfect. Plastic surgeons undeniably need to study this beauty and how to implement it on a real human being. 

[1] Vesna, Victoria. “Http://www.youtube.com/v/Ep0M2bOM9Tk.” Lecture. Medicine pt1 . Youtube, 21 Apr. 2012. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep0M2bOM9Tk>.
[2] "Dissection." UPENN Knarf English. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. 
<http://knarf.english.upenn.edu/Contexts/dissect.html>.
[3] Thater , Tom. "Radiation Dose in X-Ray and CT Exams." Patient Safety -. Radiology Information , n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/safety/?pg=sfty_xray>.
[4] Maser, M.D., Ben M. "Plastic Surgery." American College of Surgeons. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <https://www.facs.org/education/resources/residency-search/specialties/plastic>.
[5] Cotter, Holland. "Artist's Life: Cut, Nip and Tuck." The NY Times. 19 Apr. 2009. Web. 25 Apr. 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2009/04/20/arts/design/20apex.html?_r=0>.

Robotics + Art

With technology moving as quick as it has in the past 20 years, we forget how quickly modern art evolves as well. In the lecture on Robotics + Art, we notice how it relates to last week's lecture, in regards to how Art complements other disciplines. Professor Vesna poses questions to help us explore how newly developed mechanization make more skilled artists and how artists influence better robotics.

One of the earliest examples of science and technology merging with art trace back to the invention of the printing press and the movable type. These innovations helped extend art limitations by allowing our brain images to be reflected onto paper, through a machine - that is not our arm. In this case, we cancel the variability that our own hands create through free form art, and can create a universal uniformity that everyone can recreate. This technology is what allowed the mass production of books and other forms of communication to help pass culture, lessons, and wisdom from one generation to the next.

We are introduced to the transformation and revolution of art in the lens of what Walter Benjamin believes is to be the age of Mechanical Reproduction. According to Benjamin, “one of the foremost tasks of art has always been the creation of demand which could be fully satisfied only later.” Based on his ideologies, history has essentially taught us that "art aspires to effects which could be fully obtained only with a changed technical standard"—a new art form. And Benjamin sees the first step to reaching this new standard beginning with the act of outraging the public.

A great example that ties in art with robotics in a perfect blend is through Disney's movie, Wall-E! People watch movies as a pure form of entertainment, however, the cinematic arts has been an important part of the art culture since the very beginning of movie production. It is an easy way to transmit messages to the public. Robots are great in terms of making our lives easier and streamlining production - think dishwasher, vacuum, and washing machine. Do we ever consider the dangers of robotics and how it can be more powerful than humans and possibly destroy mankind? Rodney Brooks urges us to be aware of how robots are invading our lives and to not be ignorant of the potentially detrimental impact this may have (as seen in Wall-E). Artificial intelligence has been refined through art, form, and design. However, technology is triggering robotics past a productive concept and becoming something that influences to mankind to hyper-produce. This results in wastefulness of resources and greed.

On the other end of the spectrum, robotic art has helped humans, not only make life easier, but allow us to achieve things that were not once possible. In recent news, San Francisco's De Young Museum has recently announced that there is a new robot that would allow those who are physically handicapped to finally be able to experience a museum. Henry Evans was a Silicon Valley executive, but after experiencing a massive stroke, he is completely paralyzed. Using computers and robots, he is able to communicate with his family, friends, and the rest of the world with minimal movements of his eyeballs. The technology allows him to remain engaged, mentally active, and part of this world, especially since he is essentially trapped in his own body. Take a look at this robot and how it is designed. Henry's face is displayed through the webcam, and the robot has legs as if his presence were actually there. If the practice of robotic art is used beneficially, it has the potential to move us towards great lengths.

[1] History of Chinese Invention - The Invention of Movable Print." Computersmiths. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http://www.computersmiths.com/chineseinvention/movtype.htm>.
[2] Markoff, John. "In Search of a Robot More Like Us." NYTimes, 11 July 2011. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. <http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/12/science/12robot.html?_r=2&ref=science>.
[3] Brooks, Rodney. "Transcript of "Robots Will Invade Our Lives"" Rodney Brooks: Robots Will Invade Our Lives. TED, Feb. 2003. Web. 18 Apr 2015. <http://www.ted.com/talks/rodney_brooks_on_robots/transcript>.
[4] Wall E. Wall E. Disney, 12 Mar. 2014. Web. 18 Apr 2015. 
<https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZisWjdjs-gM&feature=kp>.
[5] "Robots Open up the World of Art." CBS News, 1 Mar. 2015. Web. 18 Apr. 2015. 
<http://www.cbsnews.com/videos/robots-open-up-the-world-of-art/>.

Math + Art

In this week’s lecture on the intersection of Math and Art, we learn about the link between the applications of Mathematics and how it consequently results in a better form of Art. When we think of art, we believe it is a true freehand expression of one's talent. We fail to realize that it requires to some degree, a mental or even physical calculation of space and distance.

An example that shows more insight into what Professor Vesna explains this week is the Golden Ratio. A mathematical law derived hundreds of years ago by our ancestors, which is basically a sequence of numbers that is the sum of the previous two number in the sequence. (ex. 0,1,1,2,3,5,8...). It is incredibly fascinating how many natural processes follow this pattern, originally calculated by Leonardo Fibonacci. This is a useful tool for artists all over the World, helping them to proportionally replicate paintings, portraits, or scenery.

The most famous example of where the Golden Ratio has been applied is the, "La Jaconde" or Mona Lisa painting. I was blessed with the opportunity to visit The Louvre in Paris, France this past Winter. The beauty is not noticed until you take the time to appreciate the proportions that was applied by the talented Leonardo Da Vinci. He applied this to many of his famous pieces which is why to this day he is considered one of the most influential artists.

While abroad in Milan, Italy -- I had to get tickets to see "The Last Supper." Being in that room was an absolutely incredible experience. How large it is in real life and how they are trying their best to preserve this historical and biblical treasure. The truth is that it is falling apart. However, it sustained long enough to educate and inspire many following artists. Da Vinci uses the tool of aerial perspective to create light in this mural. Purposely making the horizon more dull and colorless in order to draw attention towards the landscape, thus creating an illusion of depth. This awareness of distance and space was pre-calculated before being projected and painted onto the wall.

One of the most universal examples that display a modern intersection between math and art is are Apple products - specifically the very first iPod. As someone from a quantitative background, I think of engineering and computer science when coming across the Apple logo. However, the true driving success behind Apple is its unique design. To produce the most cost-efficient and sleek formula to compete with the market, it requires the collaboration between material science and artistic flair.

Steve Jobs is notorious for driving his employees to the edge. A published story about how he threw the very first prototype of the iPod into water to prove the point that the engineers were still making the product unnecessarily big, is definitely inspiring. He knew that since air bubbles were coming out, the iPod could have been made more compact. The impossible can be achieved by math alone, but art connects the complex science to our finger tips.

Giving myself some time to observe, I've come to the conclusion that the juxtaposition between the three elements (math, art, and science) are clear. Specialists in their respective professions often have tunnel vision and believe their role in society as a doctor or artist belongs to either: math, art, or science. No grey area. Completely mutually exclusive. The next time I hear someone say that they are more quantitative, less creative, I will challenge them to identify how the best artists are mathematicians, the best scientists are artistically aware. 

[1] Dvorsky, George. "15 Uncanny Examples of the Golden Ratio in Nature."Io9. N.p., n.d. Web. 09 Apr 2014. <http://io9.com/5985588/15-uncanny-examples-of-the-golden-ratio-in-nature>. 

[2] Vesna, Victoria. “Mathematics-pt1-ZeroPerspectiveGoldenMean.mov.” Cole UC online. Youtube, 9 April 2012. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. 

<http://www.youtube.com/watch v=mMmq5B1LKDg&feature=player_embedded>

[3] Meisner, Gary. "Da Vinci and the Divine Proportion in Art Composition." The Golden Number. 7 July 2014. Web. 12 Apr. 2015. 

<http://www.goldennumber.net/leonardo-da-vinci-golden-ratio-art/>.

[4] "Leonardo Da Vinci's Last Supper." Italian Renaissance. Web. 12 Apr. 2015.

<http://www.italianrenaissance.org/a-closer-look-leonardo-da-vincis-last-supper/>

[5] Steve Jobs Dropped The First IPod Prototype Into An Aquarium To Prove A Point." Business Insider. Ed. Steven Tweedie. 18 Nov. 2014. Web. 9 Apr. 2015. 

<http://www.businessinsider.com/steve-jobs-threw-ipod-prototype-into-an-aquarium-to-prove-a-point-2014-11>.

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Week 1: Two Cultures

Hi, my name is Ariel Jao and I am a fourth year student who has very recently completed her Economics and Accounting degree at UCLA. After restrictively taking pre-requisite after requisite, I am hoping this course will allow me to weave in creativity and incorporate flair into all my work, even though what I am pursuing appears incredibly systematic and rule-obliging.

I acknowledge C. P. Snow’s viewpoint on how schools are responsible for fostering the gap between arts and sciences. Specifically at the great education institute that I am too familiar with, UCLA – as an outsider taking a stroll from the North side of campus to the South side you will notice subtle differences – mainly in architecture. However, when you are mentally engaged in the student community, freshmen orientation group leaders TEACH you about this specific divide which continues to be passed down through each generation.  (At the odd chance that you are ill-informed of this “north-south culture”, north campus refers to arts and humanities majors while south campus pertains to the sciences and engineering ones).

The new thing to do now for students is to diversify our main focus with a sprinkle of edge. For example, now you can easily be an Environmental Studies major with a specialization in computing. These mixes attribute to the point John Brockman tries to make about an ideal third culture. Contrary to past scholars, our generation has become more aware of how art and science do come hand in hand and one can complement the other.

Professor Vesna talks about negative stereotypes that can discourage you from pursuing anything not fitting of your mold. I found this point interesting and when taking a step back and looking at how I have lived my life, I notice that it’s hard to venture out to the extremes because of the lack of structure that may lie there.

In my household, money motivates you and becoming an artist is – unrealistic. I am starting to figure out that the most successful people in this word are artists. In fact, Will Smith one said that being realistic is the most commonly traveled path to mediocrity. Even in finance, the only form of art we can express is through our excel formatting. If you don't consider this technology a form of art, do remember that Bill Gates and his partners created this universal program because he understood from a scientific and quantitative point of view, how office productivity could change the future. And that is artistically genius.

[1] Vesna, Victoria, perf. Two Cultures, Part 2. UC Online Program, 2015. Web. 05 Apr 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUr4xxZ_0gw&feature=youtu.be>.

[2] Snow , C. P. The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution. 7th. London: The Syndics of the Cambridge University Press, 1961. Print.

[3] Kelly, Kevin . "The Third Culture ."Science. N.p., 13 Feb. 1988. Web. 05 Apr 2015.

<http://www.sciencemag.org/content/279/5353/992.full>.

[4] "Street Artist: Blu: The Mural Legend in Berlin – photos and report by Street Art BLN." BLU. Web. 05 Apr 2015. 

<http://www.streetartbln.com/blog/category/artists/blu-artists/>

[5] "Vintage Glory: This Was the Microsoft Team in 1978." Web. 05 Apr 2015. 

<http://www.softpedia.com/blog/Vintage-Glory-This-Was-the-Microsoft-Team-in-1978-293031.shtml>

[6] "And the winner of the North vs. South Campus Challenge is....ALL Bruins!" Web. 05 Apr 2015. 

<http://www.theuclafund.ucla.edu/news/nvschallengewinner.aspx>