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>.
Hi Ariel,
ReplyDeleteI really liked your point about dissection being an art production. I remember how my first exposure to dissection in biology class required cutting open a frog, and I believe that we have been exposed to dissection at a young age through biology classes and the association of dissections with science becomes deeply ingrained into our minds. Yet, without the artistic process of illustrating scientific observations, the progress of science would be hindered. This really highlights how art is significantly incorporated into the development of sciences, especially biology, which heavily involves visualization of anatomies. One excellent exhibit of how human anatomies are showcased is called Body Worlds, as mentioned by Vesna. These kinds of exhibitions not only scientifically allow us to gain further insight into our understanding of the human body, but are also an artistic expression of human emotions as well as experiences. Overall, I liked your post, good job!
Amanda Lim
UID: 204189841
The way you encorporated the information from lecture into every day scenarios really helped me get a stronger grasp on the material. I never thought of dissection in science class as a type of art form. Also the fact that by drawing and designing replications of organs and body parts is art and science at the same time was a really interesting way to explain the material. This can be seen as an advancement in art and science!
ReplyDeleteAriel -
ReplyDeleteI think you bring up a really valid and interesting point about anatomical drawings having value in the art world. I never thought about the people behind textbooks, for example, and how they had to work with artists to create the images we saw on the pages. With it explained that way, it definitely does seem to be a work of art. I also thought you incorporated plastic surgery into the topic in a way that made a lot of sense - especially with the "Golden Ratio" connection to the work that plastic surgeons do on the body. Overall, very useful post.
Maddy