Event 5: The Anatomy Lesson

Tonight I went to see the Joyce Cutler-Shaw exhibition in the ART|SCI Gallery in CNSI. The topic of display is "What Comes to Mind: Memory, Traces, Engrams"

Figure 1

Joyce's inspiration came from her quick encountering with a bird. A bird hit her window one day and fell to the ground as if it was dead. She went outside and touched the bird to check on it. However, after a while the bird stood up and simply flew away. By then, she had realize that the bird was in shock and once it recovered its sense, it flew away. That encountering led her into doing research on the bird, the place where the pain struck the bird and sent the bird into shock. She also explored the ancestry of birds, and went to Munich where the fossil of the "first bird"(half bird- half dinosaur) was discovered on limestone.

Figure 2

Her early research of birds led to her interest in pigeons. This photo of a pigeon is part of the slideshow on display.

Figure 3

After weeks of watching her podcast and learning the relationships between art and science, I was finally able to meet Professor Vesna in person. We took a photo in front of the artworks on exhibition. The art works are from the artist's earlier project The New York Odyssey. The project consists of images from her personal history and places she has been to when she lived in New York. 

Figure 4

This picture conveyed how fish and human are similar at the embryo stage, in which their gills are our limbs. Other pictures of the embryo of a human are also trying to convey the same idea. The center image is a face scan of her brain. The top row consists of photos of painting from the museum of natural history of Amsterdam. The photo of a man bending over and a man standing up straight is our typical evolution cycle. She added into this set of project because it relates how we have came to be and supports the idea that fish and human have similar attributes.


Figure 5

Her project of the anatomy lesson incorporates an investigation of the human life cycle from birth and the newborn to aging, dying and death. Her encountering for three death of the sudden death - Eddy, the slow death of Rose and her mother Lola's death all inspired her to better understand death in a clinical setting. She is current a Artist-in-residence at the University of California, San Diego. She is enabled to understand death in a scientific way aside from her three very different experience with death.

I had the pleasure to speaking to Joyce and really learned about how her experience had inspired her to produce her works. For example, the New York Project is a project of photos she took of the city she grew up in. The bird incident led her into research in the anatomy of the bird and what the bird went through while it was in shock. In addition, she also had a picture of dissection in Figure 5, middle of the top row, from the history museum of Amsterdam in the collage of 12 photos.

Event 3 : Getty Museum

I went to Getty Center last Friday and was fascinated by both the exterior design and the art works on display. The Getty Center is designed by Richard Meier. To get to the Getty Center, we had to take a tram. The tram moves the visitors 3/4 of a mile up to the hill. This 5-mins ride is 881 feet above sea level. The purpose of the design is to give visitors the feeling of "being elevated out of their day-to-day experience", says Meier. I really felt that way!

After we got off the tram, we came upon a flight of stairs with statues on the side, which already introduced the artistic theme of the Getty Center to us before actually entering the exhibition.
Inside the museum entrance hall, there were audio guides available and map guides in different languages.

Below is a picture of the landscape design of the upper part of the Getty Center. We can clearly see where each of the main buildings is.

As we exited the museum entrance hall and walked past the Exhibition pavilion, we saw the brilliant view to our right. It was a great experience to see how the architect combined nature in between the buildings. We decided to walk down and explore the central garden. The garden has a maze on water. The water pond is also surrounded by different plants. According to the Map Guide, "At the bottom of the Central Garden, water cascades over a stepped stone wall into a reflecting pool with a maze of 400 azalea plants." Surrounding the pool is a series of specialty gardens that exploit the interplay of light, color, and reflection. 

After visiting all the pavilion, I have decided to choose a few of the collections which I found really interesting. The first one is this big Vase in the South Pavilion. This monumental vase was first exhibited at the Exposition Universaille in Paris in 1889. The fantastic imagery was reminiscent of the art from the late 1890s, yet its overall shape and form was based on an ancient roman mixing vessel which the artist drew during a visit to the archaeological sites in Naples in 1877.

What is fascinating about the painting below is that the horse was painted with such care that one can discern the individual hairs of his flowing mane and tail. He cast a penetrating eye towards the viewer, illustrating his sense of dominion over humans and nature. According to the description, the stallion is probably the famed Lipizzan breed, known for their stocky Proportions and grayish-white color. 

This is a sculpture of Venus by Joseph Nollekens, depicting Venus and two other goddesses in a different stage of undress, with draperies and accessories that enhance their sensuality. The three figure were commissioned by Charles Watson-Wentworth in order to narrative group interacting with the shepherd Paris. According to Greek myth of the Judgement of Paris, the shepherd had to declare which of these three goddesses was the most beautiful. Venus won the contest. 

The picture below is a portrait of Louis XIV, the "Sun King", from Rigaud's workshop. Louis XIV's court adored Hyacinthe Rigaud, who helped to formulate what a state portrait should be. According to the description, "While Rigaud made a credible likeness of the king, his purpose was not to express Louis's character but to glorify the monarchy. Louis XIV's ceremonial robes, elegant stance, and haughty expression proclaim his exalted status"  Despite the size of the portrait, Rigaud still paid much attention to the details, for example, the details of the King's costume and his shoe buckles. The original Portrait of Louis XIV of 1701 was so popular that Rigaud had many copies made. 

I was really fascinated by the portrait of Louis XIV, because I had the opportunity to see the original copy at the Louvre previously. After looking the portrait, I entered a room filled with tapestries (like the photo below has portrayed). The tapestries were really detailed and full resemble the prominence of France during Louis XIV's era. In front of the tapestries, were statues and original French furnitures. 

After enjoying the South Villa, I went outside and was intrigued by the beautiful view of the city of Los Angeles. The photo below is a picture of me and the city which I have come to love after living here for three years. 

It was a very fruitful experience visiting the Getty Center. I not only had a chance to enjoy the beautiful view of the city but also was fascinated by many of the artworks in exhibition and from the collection. If I have time in the future, I will definitely visit again and refresh my mind from academic and social obligations with these beautiful collections of art and the view of LA.

Event 4: Hammer Museum

I took advantage of the thanksgiving break and visited the Hammer Museum of UCLA. Since my friend and I were UCLA students, we could get free admission. The courtyard level is very pleasant, it includes a dining service and provided space for casual meetings. As my friend and I went to the third floor, our adventure into the art world has begun.

The first exhibition we encountered was On Pleasure Bent by Mark Leckey. His art works combines sculpture, sound, film and animation in presenting ideas. Mr. Leckey speculates on objects and on the future. The arts on display show his interest in all types of objects – from prosthetic hands to Felix the Cat – and how these objects can influence us as humans. One of his works on display is an animation of a shadow of a dog barking to the left side of the artwork. He made use of the technology to show the dog’s constant motion and growling. In the end, I was able to understand why the artworks were produced that way. The description on the wall explains Mr. Leckey explores the potential of human imagination to appropriate and to animate a concept, an object, or an environment. (I was not allowed to take pictures of the animation.)

The next exhibition we saw was James Welling’s monograph. One of the artwork that intrigued me the most was his Glass House Project. He made use of color filters held in front of camera lens and took pictures of the architect Phillip Johnson’s legendary 1949 house. He later returned to the house twelve times over the next three years in all seasons and all weather conditions to create the final project. The purpose of the art was to blur the lines between a recognizable object and a visual hallucination.  As we can see in the picture below, the photo combined the tree branches on the top half with blurry texture and the interior of the house with an orange filter. This photo clearly blurs the lines between the exterior and the interior of the house and also creates a hallucination with the usage of blurry white color and the orange colors of the interior.

Another collection included Welling’s flowers project. He took pictures of the pressed flowers and feather in his great-great grandmother’s diary help insight him about pressed flowers and photograms. Historical connections were made between botanical specimen, natural prints and photograms.

Lastly, we went and saw the Armand Hammer Collection, which were gifts from the Armand Hammer Foundation. It contained major movements of 19^th century French art, including the work of Van Gogh and many other works from Dutch artists such as this art below by Rembrandt. I was really fascinated by the amount of artworks on display by European artists from the 19^th century and before. I was also able to understand the artworks better than the contemporary artworks produced by Welling and Leckey. (Since I was not allowed to take pictures of this display, I found one of the pictures on the internet). 

                                                     

Week 9: Space + Art

Space is the place where nanotechnology, biotechnology, mathematics and robotics all come together. The discovery of Space relates to all elements of arts and to the consciousness of people. In the process of discovering space, we have expanded our horizon. 

( Figure 1)

( Figure 2)

Nicolaus Copernicus is the first individual who came up with the idea and drew a scientifically accurate image of the solar system. By combining the knowledge of art, math and astronomy, he demonstrated that the sun is in the center of the solar system. Copernicus's theory has had a long-lasting influence to people's lives nowadays; it is the foundation of astronomy and space science. ( Figure 1, 2) 
In the 17th century, telescope was invented and it launched a new era in the discoveries of our universe. Such invention allows people to observe the universe from a completely new perspective. (Figure 3) 

From a scientific analysis, human gained a deeper understanding of micro and macro, we discovered that nanotechnology also plays role in space exploration. Budbury buckyballs was discovered in the process. The buckyballs hold the helium and deliver the molecules to the surface of the earth. Recently, NASA Spitzer Space Telescope further proved the solidify form of existence of buckyballs in  space. (Figure 4, 5)

( Figure 3)

( Figure 4)

( Figure 5)

Contemporary space exploration started after World War II. The invention of the Atomic Bomb and the Hydrogen bomb sparked the Cold War between the U.S. and the Soviet Union.  In 1957, when the Soviet Union launched the world's first satellite, Sputnik, the Space Race between the U.S. and the Soviet officially begin. (Figure 6) The race accelerated the exploration of space. Beginning with imagination, people combine science, technology, math and art in discovering the outer space. (Figure 7)

 (Figure 6)

(Figure 7)

The discovery of space inspired humans to explore the unknown. Such desire pushes us to constantly make progress in mathematics, nanotechnology, biotechnology and robotics. Our discovery in the process also inspired artist to create amazing artworks. Space, therefore, links all aspects of art and science together and motivate us to continue to expand our horizon. 

1. Vesna , Victoria, dir. Space Intro. 2012. Film. 30 Nov 2013. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=zzN08A6UBoo#t=0>

2. Vesna , Victoria, dir. Space Part 2.  2012. Film. 30 Nov 2013. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZMDpoP-u0#t=452

3. "The Space Race." History.com. A&E Television Networks, n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013.

4. "Space and Art." - NASA Watch. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.

5. "Wallcoo.net." Space Art : Space and Astronomical Art : Galaxies, Stars & Nebulae 1280x1024 NO.6 Desktop Wallpaper. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Nov. 2013.

Event 2 : Griffith Observatory

On November 9th, I went to the Griffith Observatory with my friend. With a bit of luck, we were joined by a group of LA Astronomers in setting up their telescopes for visitors like us to take a look at the moon. For the first time in my life, I could see what the surface of the moon looks like and how beautiful it was with my own eyes. There was also a picture indicating what we were looking at  (Figure 1). It is through this technology of telescope can I have the chance to see this piece of artwork (sight of moon) provided by nature. With the abundance of people and limited telescope, we had to get in lines before taking a look (Figure 2). One of the astronomers was also friendly in giving us a few of his old magazine to learn more about the moon. 

(Figure 1)

(Figure 2)

Inside the observatory, the first item we encounter was a huge pendulum. The pendulum proves that Earth rotate on its axis. Since without Earth rotating on its own axis, the pendulum will continue to move back and forth in the same direction.There were a line of blocks, after a while, the pendulum will run into the blocks. In the picture below, the blocks has already been knocked over. The second picture provides a detailed description of this concept. (Figure 3, 4)

 (Figure 3)

(Figure 4)

Next we came upon the descriptions of how the moon rotates, and how do solar and lunar eclipses come to being. It is through these knowledge acquired by technology, can we understand the beauty and reasons behind the eclipses as well as different shapes of the moonlight. The pictures below shows two of the panels indicating the relative position of the moon and the earth during different time of the year and various phases of the eclipses. ( On the background of figure 6, 7 the lecturer is explaining the theory of eclipses.) 

(Figure 5)

(Figure 6)

(Figure 7)

By the end of the visit, my friend and I took a walk on the upper level of the observatory and enjoyed a great view of the city of Los Angeles. With the technological advancement of the camera, I can still keep a hold of the beauty I saw that night.

( Figure 8)

Overall, the event was very enjoyable and I gained a deeper understanding of the connection between art and technology. Technologies enable us to see the moon, understand the eclipses, and capture the beauty of Los Angeles at night.

1."Eclipse Anular (En Construcción )." Eclipse Anular:Historia De Los Eclipses. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://asaaf.fis.ucm.es/eclipseanular/historia-in.htm>.

2. "Official Site: Griffith Observatory Los Angeles, CA." Official Site: Griffith Observatory Los Angeles, CA. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.griffithobs.org/>.

3. "Digital Lunar Orbiter Photographic Atlas of the Moon." Digital Lunar Orbiter Photographic Atlas of the Moon. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.lpi.usra.edu/resources/lunar_orbiter/>.

4. "The Moon - Facts About The Moon For Kids." The Moon - Facts About The Moon For Kids. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://www.planetsforkids.org/moon-moon.html>.

5. "Eclipse." Eclipse. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2013. <http://eofdreams.com/photo/eclipse/03/>.

Week 8: Nanotech + Art

Nanotechnology is currently considered as a new area to both our lives and arts. Nanotechnology introduces a new methodology to help people better understand the nano-science and to create new art works. The collaboration between artists and nonscientists and the combination of nanotechnology and arts are pushing the paradigm shifts to the edge. 

(Figure 1)

According to the UCLA professor Jim Gimzewski, who has 35 years of experience in nano-tech, the development of nano-tech is not only influencing art but also gradually changing the world, in terms of societal and economic aspects. Figure 1, which is explained in the introduction video, demonstrates the scale used in Nanotechnology. Scale is one of the most important concepts in the nano-tech world; it shows the accuracy of the measurement and builds the foundation for all the development of the nano art works. The emerging microelectronics revolution, computers and etc. are gradually changing the world. 

(Figure 2)

Various types of Nano-particles are implemented in the products we use everyday, even when we do not realize it. Nano-particles have been in existence for a long time; the Lycurgus Cup displaying in the British Museum is a great example. The cup appears green under daylight but becomes red when light comes from inside the cup. The red color is an effect of the glazed nano-sized gold. (Figure 2)

 (Figure 3)

(Figure 4)

In 15th century, people used copper and silver nano-particles to create bright and beautiful colors on the Pottery of Deruta. Same effect was used in stained glasses, which was used widely by churches. Depending on the form and size of the particles, whole hosts of colors appears. Such amazing art works cannot be created using solely the regular pigments. From ancient time to current days, nano-tech plays a big role in the creation of arts. ( Figure 3, 4)

 (Figure 5)

Another field that influenced a lot by nanotechnology is medicine. Nano-tech is used to create a new forms of treatment to help cure diseases. It is consider to be a medicinal revolution and this field is called "nano medicine". Quantum dots are discovered in the process. Scientists found out that if we reduce black coloring to nanosize, the color will no longer be black. It shows various bright colors. Even though it is the same material, differences in size cause the particles to display different colors. Scientists use this technology to create arts. In addition, the invented treatment was proved to reduce the pain in the process of curing cancer and tumor.  (Figure 5)





1. Victoria Vesna. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=dZ3y6TkXJ6Y#t=15>

2. Gimzewski, Jim. and Victoria Vesna. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=q7jM6-iqzzE#t=614>

3. “Introduction to Nanotechnology.” Introduction to Nanotechnology RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://nanogloss.com/>.

4. Gimzewski, Jim. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=X0HCNiU_108#t=10>

5. “What Is Nanotechnology?” What Is Nanotechnology? N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://crnano.org/whatis.htm>.

6. Gimzewski, Jim. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=yHCuZetAIhk#t=26>

Event 1: Dow Jones Tabloid

On Halloween, I went to an event hosted in the Art and Science Gallery of the CNSI. Gareth Walsh, the artist, allowed us to enjoy his video before introducing the concepts and mindset behind it. Watching a video with performers singing only oooo's and laaaa's can be very confusing at first, but I was able to understand the meaning and intentions of the video after his presentation.

The video shows connections between art, business economics and technology. Mr.Welsh inspires us to look at business from a new perspective, the perspective of visual and performing art. Such combination makes business and technology much easier to understand for people who do not have knowledge in these area. The video also presents information about the market performance of that day for each company.

As Mr. Walsh has explained, CEO's of the 30 Dow Jones companies in the United States are invited to be the performers of the video show. Before recording the show, Mr. Walsh recorded the market price and changes to the stock value of the 30 companies in the Dow Jones Industrial Average. CEOs, who are invited to participated, were asked to sing one of the 7 tunes: do, re, mi, fa, (0), so, la, ti. The song reflects the stock trend and the price changes of the companies. There is a cutoff between "fa" and "so" as indicated in the preceding sentence. If the stock price drops, which means an increase below zero and with regards to the magnitude, they sing out a designated note. The tone of their sound can also indicate whether the stock prices of their respective companies have risen or dropped for that day. The code at the bottom of the screen is the market symbol for each company the CEO is representing as shown on the screen. 

Gareth Walsh, the artist was really friendly to take a picture with me after his presentation. His inspiration for the art piece comes from listening to NPR everyday. He had no interest in the stock value of companies in the Dow Jones in the past; he just knew they were constantly changing. It was not until the year of 2008 when our economic downturn caused the stock market to drop significantly did it began to drew his attention. He said, "This was when the idea was born".

This was a guest invited by the artist to attend the event. He gave comments on the presentation after Mr. Welsh gave an explanation of the video. After the presentation, he gave his own understandings about the video from a new perspective. He believed, not only the sound of the music sang by the CEO's reflects the changes of the stock market, the facial expression of the CEO also suggests the company's own stock trend within the day. For example, when it drops significantly, at the day the video was recorded, the CEO's show a unhappy facial expression.

With all the people moving around, I finally got to take a picture of just me and the artwork.

By attending this event, I realized that art can also connect with our business world, aside from its connections with technology, math and etc.

1. Wall Street Tabloid: Murdoch/Dow Jones Teasing To End Today." Wired.com. Conde Nast Digital, 31 July 2007. Web. 14 Nov. 2013.

2. "Dow Jones' Journalists' Dilemma: Cool Business Demeanor Or Hot Tabloid News?"MediaPost Publications 06/18/2007. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2013.

3. "Dow Jones." Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation, 13 Nov. 2013. Web. 14 Nov. 2013.

4. "Dow Jones Industrial Average: INDEXDJX:.DJI Quotes & News - Google Finance."Dow Jones Industrial Average: INDEXDJX:.DJI Quotes & News - Google Finance. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2013.

5. Press, The Associated. "How the Dow Jones Industrial Average Did Wednesday." ABC News. ABC News Network, n.d. Web. 14 Nov. 2013.