Week 9: Space and Art

Space exploration has always been closely related to art, but never this closely as of now. Neil deGrasse Tyson, probably the nation's most famous astrophysicist, has educated millions of Americans through his TV shows such as "Cosmos: A Space Time Odyssey". Artists actively explore concepts of space and incorporated them into their work. Rhythms of Stars, played at St. Paul's Chapel of Columbia University, reveals the sounds of stars. The artist Jeff Talman is also about to release a CD that presents the sounds of the sun.

Rhythms of Stars, presented by St. Paul's Chapel of Columbia University:

http://www.jefftalman.com/rhythms.html

Neil DeGrasse Tyson Speech - Space as Culture:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNxnCzz5oQE

Do you still remember the classical song "fly me to the moon"? This famous song is first recorded in 1954 and has became closely associated with NASA's Apollo space program. A copy of the song was played on the Apollo 10 mission which orbited the Moon and also by Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin when he stepped onto the Moon. Artworks are often the source of inspiration of scientific development, space exploration is no exemption. From the spacecraft described by H.G. Wells in his 1897 novel "The War of the Worlds" to the depiction of multistage rocket launch and space travel in the George Méliès's movie "A Trip to the Moon" in 1929, these science fictional art pieces have inspired generations of scientists to make humans' dream to come true. On the other hand, art creations also provoke general public's curiosity of the space. Movies like E.T., and Star Trek have become also extremely popular and generated much discussion about space exploration and aliens.

NASA Space Exploration Artwork with Tony Bennett's "Fly Me to the Moon":

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7oARVU5t7rQ

Moreover, the space has always been the source of inspiration for art and current space research provides artists lots of room for imagination. The Starry Night by Van Gogh is a great example. Drawn from his memory and imagination of the morning stars, this painting depicts Van Gogh response to the space and nature. Just a side note: this is my favorite art piece! The actual painting looks much fascinating than the picture below. I was completely drawn into it at the very first sight! 

The Starry Night, by Van Gogh:

http://www.moma.org/collection/object.php?object_id=79802

There is a reason why so many people are fascinated by the space. Check out this amazing video of collection of images sent back from the Hubble Space Telescope. The space's grand beauty is not comparable by anything on Earth.

Collections of Hubble images:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=loXDVGi_lK0

There are numerous examples of art creation inspired by the concept of space. Reflecting the Stars created by Jon Morris, is a solar-powered light installation set on the Hudson River. LEDs were attached to the decaying posts along the river and recreating a view of starry night sky in New York. This also serves as an act to increase awareness of light pollution which prevents us from seeing the stars.

Reflecting the Stars, by Jon Morris:

https://youtu.be/LVGV83JnvdQ

Other artists like Yoyoi Kusama created artwork to reflect his thinking of life and death. The artist put up hundreds of flashing LED lights from the ceiling of a dark room with many mirrors. Visitors enter via a mirrored walkway surrounded by a water pool. The reflection of mirror and water created a fascinating sense of starry and endless space. Even if you cannot perceive the philosophical aspect of this art creation, you should still treat it as a beautiful visual art piece!

Infinity Mirror Room, by Yoyoi Kusama:

http://limitlessmagazine.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/Yayoi-Kasuma-Infinity-Mirror-Room-Image-3.jpg

There are numerous examples of art inspired by the space. The concept of space provided a broad context with unlimited possibilities for creativity for artists to leverage on. On the other hand, artistic work also helps scientists and the general public to develop future direction of research and increase awareness of the universe.

Sources:
[1] Belbruno, Edward. Fly Me to the Moon: An Insider's Guide to the New Science of Space Travel. Princeton University Press, 2007.
[2] Heidegger, Martin. "Art and space." Man and World 6.1 (1973): 3-8.
[3] McDonald, Frank B. "Space research: at a crossroads." Science 235.4790 (1987): 751-754.
[4] Morris, Jon. "Reflecting the Stars." YouTube. N.p., 05 Aug. 2011. Web. 31 May 2015. <https://youtu.be/LVGV83JnvdQ>.
[5] Talman, Jeff. "Rhythms of Stars (2014)." Rhythms of Stars (2014). St. Paul's Chapel of Columbia University, 08 Apr. 2014. Web. 31 May 2015. <http://www.jefftalman.com/rhythms.html>.
[6] Thomas, Peter C., et al. "Impact excavation on asteroid 4 Vesta: Hubble space telescope results." Science 277.5331 (1997): 1492-1495.
[7] Tyson, Neil DeGrasse. "Best Neil DeGrasse Tyson Speech - Space as Culture." YouTube. YouTube, 23 Apr. 2013. Web. 31 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wNxnCzz5oQE>.

[8] Vesna , Victoria, dir. Space Part 1. 2012. Film. 29 July 2013. Web. 31 May 2015. <https://youtu.be/2dPAmpBiVHY>

[9] Vesna , Victoria, dir. Space Part 1. 2012. Film. 30 May 2012. Web. 31 May 2015. <https://youtu.be/WnSUHMXBmdg>

Week 8: Nanotechnology and Art

Nanotechnology has certainly changed the way people perceive the world. The old mindset of "seeing is believing" is not applicable to nanotechnology. This new science is creating a paradigm shift in people's perception of reality from a purely visual point to the one based on sensing and connectivity. Through this week's lectures, I have a comprehensive understanding of nanotechnology and its applications across various scientific fields such as chemistry, biology, physics, material science and engineering. Although nanotechnology is developed only after the invention of various observation tools like the scanning tunneling microscope (STM) and the atomic force microscope (AFM), the use of nanotechnology in art can be traced back to the stained glass windows of medieval churches. 

Medieval stained glass windows:

http://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what/definition

Today, the use of "first generation" passive nano-materials includes titanium dioxide in sunscreen, cosmetics and surface coatings. With 15,342 atoms, this parallel-shaft speed reducer gear is one of the largest nanomechanical devices ever modeled in atomic detail. 

http://www.crnano.org/whatis.htm

Many artists gained inspiration from nano technology and incorporated that into their art work. Christian Orfescu is among one of them, as he hopes his art stirs people's curiosity about nanotechnology.

(Photos: Courtesy of NanoArt 21)

http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/01/25/the-art-of-nanotech/?_r=0

Moreover, with nanotechnological development like DNA folding techniques, artists would have more tools and freedom to create things that we can now only dream of. As Paul Rothemund demonstrated in his TED speech, we now able to fold DNA into shapes and patterns and this process would have vast implications for computing and manufacturing, in which artists may help to design these futuristic products. 

http://www.ted.com/talks/paul_rothemund_details_dna_folding?language=en

Paul Rothemund's research shows that DNA folding is much easier than people once thought of. Shawn Douglas, a bio-nanotechnology professor at UCSF, created a short animation of the DNA folding process. The process of DNA origami (a method for constructing DNA objects) involves taking a long, single-stranded DNA backbone (usually about 7000 bases in length) and forcing it to adopt an arbitrary shape using hundreds of short, single-stranded DNA oligonucleotides. 

DNA origami folding animation:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4C_aFlyhfI

Two examples of DNA origami products are shown below. Objects like square nut, railed bridges and even a complete China map may be created with this DNA folding technique.

http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/files/2012/12/DNA-origami-electron-micros.jpg

DNA origami of China:

http://www.dna.caltech.edu/~lulu/research_4.html

Other interesting nanotechnology's applications in art include nano images taken with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Artists are able to depict a baby giraffe formed within a jungle of Ni-Al-C dendrite and nano flower made of zinc oxide, Scanning electron microscope image of zinc oxide nanowire arrays with flower-like form.

Nano Baby Giraffe:

Nano Flower: 

http://www.nanowerk.com/news/newsid=25042.php

DNA origami and nano images are just two examples of the applications of nanotechnology in art. It is clear that nanotechnology has greatly impacted contemporary art in various ways and its impact would likely to continue as the technology becomes even more mature. 

Sources:

“Art in the Age of Nanotechnology.” Artabase. N.p., n.d. Web. 23 Nov. 2012. <http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.

DNA Folding, in Detail. By Paul Rothemund. Perf. Paul Rothemund.TED. TED Conferences, LLC, Feb. 2008. Web. 19 May 2015.

Douglas, Shawn M., et al. "Self-assembly of DNA into nanoscale three-dimensional shapes." Nature 459.7245 (2009): 414-418.

Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. "The nanoneme syndrome: Blurring of fact and fiction in the construction of a new science." Technoetic arts 1.1 (2003): 7-24.

Goodsell, David S. "Fact and fantasy in nanotech imagery." Leonardo 42.1 (2009): 52-57.

Poole Jr, Charles P., and Frank J. Owens. Introduction to nanotechnology. John Wiley & Sons, 2003.

Qian, Lulu, et al. "Analogic China map constructed by DNA." Chinese Science Bulletin 51.24 (2006): 2973-2976.

Rothemund, Paul WK. "Folding DNA to create nanoscale shapes and patterns."Nature 440.7082 (2006): 297-302.

Week 7: Neuroscience and Art

Neuroscience is the science that studies the structure or function of the nervous system and brain. The studies of Aristotle, Ramen Cahall, Franz Gall, Cajal have established a foundation of neuron theory and localization of brain functions. Freud and Jung Young’s research further our understanding of dreams, consciousness and unconsciousness. Later down the road, Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary helped us understand the effects of chemicals (i.e. cocaine, LSD) on mental states.

Localization of brain functions:

http://www.mindsmachine.com/summary01.html

Neuroscientific knowledge is not constrained within labs, but its ideas, concepts and images also impact literature, film, mass media and other artworks. Neuroaesthetics uses neuroscience to explain and understand the aesthetic experiences of art and music. The interaction between art and science has raised awareness of social and ethical implications of neuroscientific advancement.

Neuroaesthetics:

http://thevarsity.ca/2010/02/04/explain-my-brain-neuroaesthetics/

The example of neuroaesthetics given in lecture is the Amygdaloids. It is a band formed by scientists who incorporate their insights from researches about mind, brain and mental disorders. In fact, the band name comes from amygdala, a brain region that controls fear emotions.

"Map of Your Mind" -by Amygdaloids:

https://youtu.be/eH_HSj5ysy0

Greg Dunn is a symbolic figure in neuroaesthetics. His painting depicts neurons and brain regions in Asian sumi-e style (in Japan’s Tokugawa period, 1603-1863), as he sees the same beauty in neurons as in traditional forms of the medium (trees, flowers, and animals).

Greg Dunn's work - Synaptogenesis:

http://www.gregadunn.com/gold-leaf-painting-by-greg-dunn/synaptogenesis/

Greg Dunn also invents the microetching techniques, that are handmade lithographs which manipulate light on a microscopic scale to control the reflectivity of metallic surfaces in precise ways. Using this technique, he was able to produce fascinating lithographs that gain inspiration from cortical structures and the shape of hippocampus.

Microetching Techniques:

https://youtu.be/GLt5A29N0zg

Other famous neuroaesthetic practitioner include Audrius V. Plioplys, who has been both a professional artist and a neurologist-neuroscientist for more than 40 years. His artwork is neo-conceptual: a metaphorical investigation of thinking and consciousness. Just as memories transform visual impulses into neuronal signals, Audrius transforms photographic art works into neurologic forms.

Audrius Plioplys' work - burial rites symphony:

http://www.plioplys.com/notable-past-exhibits.php

There are many more great artwork inspired by neuroscience's concept and research. Society for Neuroscience hosts an annual Art of Neuroscience exhibit to showcase the work of artists who create brian- or neurological-inspired pieces. The inspiration from neuroscience never dies out, and would continue its profound impacts on artwork.

Sources:

[1] "Art of Neuroscience Exhibitors-2014." Society for Neuroscience, n.d. Web. 17 May 2015. <http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sfn.org%2Fannual-meeting%2Fneuroscience-2014%2Fat-the-meeting%2Fart-of-neuroscience>.

[2] Audrius V. Plioplys. Artistic Explorations of Thought. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://www.plioplys.com/index.php>

[3] Bear, Mark F., Barry W. Connors, and Michael A. Paradiso, eds. Neuroscience. Vol. 2. Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, 2007.

[4] Brattico, Elvira, and Marcus Pearce. "The neuroaesthetics of music."Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts 7.1 (2013): 48.

[5] Cinzia, Di Dio, and Gallese Vittorio. "Neuroaesthetics: a review." Current opinion in neurobiology 19.6 (2009): 682-687.

[6] Dunn, Gregory. Greg A. Dunn Design. Web. 17 May 2015. <http://www.gregadunn.com>

[7] Nalbantian, Suzanne. "Neuroaesthetics: Neuroscientific theory and illustration from the arts." Interdisciplinary Science Reviews 33.4 (2008): 357-368.

[8] Vesna, Victoria. “Conscious / Memory (Part 1).” Lecture. 17 May 2015. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=DLVQIwOn7o8>

[9] Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 2).” 17 May 2015. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Xlg5wXHWZNI>
[10] Vesna, Victoria. Lecture. “Conscious / Memory (Part 3).” 17 May 2015. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=E5EX75xoBJ0>

[11] Zola-Morgan, Stuart. "Localization of brain function: The legacy of Franz Joseph Gall (1758-1828)." Annual Review of Neuroscience 18.1 (1995): 359-383.

Week 6: Biotech and Art

Over the last decade, we have seen an impressive growth in bio-art, artistic work inspired and created with bio-technology. Genetic modified food, animal experimentation and hybrid between species are very common nowadays. Arts collaborate with scientists, learn biology, and use biological tools to create artwork in hope to provoke, transgress, or re-design people's understanding of life. Bio art has created an entirely new perspective to look at biological research. It also allows artists to explore matters of scientific consequence in a creative way. However, it also sparks much ethical concerns related to animal rights and the ethical implications of art created.

Examples of bio art:

http://www.sito.org/id/bio/bio23.jpg

Joe Davis is the symbolic figure of bio art, who uses genes and genomes extensively to create innovative artworks. His work includes microscope that generate an acoustic signature for living cells and test of E-coli's response to Jazz and other sounds. There is also a particularly interesting experiment that implanted glowing jellyfish genes into rabbit and mice to make them glow green. SymbioticA is a milestone in bio art development. It is a permanent space established for artists to work in science lab. Its most important project includes "fish and chips": a robotics arm run by goldfish neurons, brainer anomaly complex and blood wars. 

Robotic artist:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/artists-blending-biotechnology-art/

Other interesting bio art projects include "bulletproof skin", which reinforced lab-grown human skin with spider silk. The modified skin was able to resist low-caliber bullets! This project was carried out to show that safety was relative and inspire conversations about the types of safety that benefit people. Although no one would actually turn their skin into "bulletproof" one, this project has successfully raised public attention about genetic modification and its implications on human beings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6S4fMOxuyE&feature=youtu.be

Other fascinating products of genetic modification include Petunia Circadia, a flower which is engineered to change color during the day. It is created as a response to concerns over genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to demonstrate that GMOs are harmless and can be good for people. 

http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2hu4y7

However, while we hail for the development of bio art and how it helps us understand controversial scientific issues, we should not overlook the ethical issues related to the practice of bio art. For example, professor Vesna talks about a famous experiment that modifies the wing pattern of a live butterfly but ends up leaving holes in the wings. This has not only caused horror in witness but also cautions future bio-artists to pay special attentions to the safety and handling of the experimental animals. Nonetheless, it is heart-warming to see that most artists like Kathy High demonstrate empathy to animals (in her case, rats) used in experiments. That should definitely be a moral standard to be carried out in future experiments.

Kathy High: embrace experimental animals:

http://kathyhigh.com/pix/embracing2/13.jpg

Sources:

Aristarkhova, Irina. "Hosting the animal: the art of Kathy High." Journal of Aesthetics & Culture 2 (2010).

Delgado, Rick. "How Artists Are Blending Biotechnology And Art."MakeUseOf. N.p., 08 May 2015. Web. 10 May 2015. <http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/artists-blending-biotechnology-art/>.

Kaye, Randi. "New Technology: 'Bulletproof' Skin." YouTube. CNN, 30 Aug. 2011. Web. 10 May 2015. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q6S4fMOxuyE&feature=youtu.be>.

Kelty, Christopher. "Outlaw, hackers, victorian amateurs: diagnosing public participation in the life sciences today." Jcom 9.1 (2010).

Levy, Ellen K. "Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications." (2007).

Vesna, Victoria, narr. “BioTech Art Lectures Part II.” N.p., . web. 5 Nov 2012.

Zurr, Ionat, and Oron Catts. "The ethical claims of Bio-Art: killing the other or self-Cannibalism?." Australian and New Zealand Journal of Art 5.1 (2003): 167-188.

Zwart, H. A. E. "Bio-art as a bio-ethical experiment." (2012).