Micro + Macro: Nanotech + Space + Art

I was quite intrigued by all that I learned about nanotechnology this week. It turned out to be completely different from what I originally though it would be. It is used in large variety of things that we see on a daily basis. What I found particularly interesting was the fact that by minimizing a substance, one could change the properties of this substance; for example, something inert could become a catalyst or solids could become liquids. Nanotechnology is a field that strives to find all the amazing uses of these minuscule particles. Boo Chapple's Transjuicer is a project that has worked towards forming audio speakers from bone. The bone matrix is used generate audible sound for human beings. This is merely one way that art and science can be connected and the results are fascinating. It is the work of nanotechnology that has allowed us to explore all these opportunities. Nanotechnology is not only used in electronics but in almost every aspect of our lives.

Quantum Dots

This leads me to talk about how nano particles are used in clothing and food. For example, silver nano particles are used in our active wear. They carry antimicrobial properties that result clothing that can be worn for long periods of time without accumulating too much bacteria. Nano particles in items such as sunscreen, cosmetics, and food are a bit more of a debated subject because of the possible toxicity. On the other hand, nanotechnology has also opened doors for the pharmaceutical and medical world, allowing for more new possibilities than ever before to cure diseases. 

Silver Nano Particle

On the opposite side of the spectrum, we also discussed space in this week's lectures. I have always found space exploration to be an exciting subject. The fact that humankind has been to able to engineer crafts that have allowed us to orbit in space and land on the moon is nothing short of genius. In recent years, the exploration of space has entered into the private arena, giving entrepreneurs the chance make their own contributions. I believe that this will greatly expand our knowledge of what is out there in short span of time. There is so much that humans could benefit from (alternative energy sources, for example) and it is in our interest to continue on this path. 

Solar System

NASA recently pioneered a telescope that has introduced us to the lower layers of the Sun's atmosphere; with all the technology that we are capable of in the modern world, new things are being discovered on a regular basis. I would consider this to be an art because of the precision that it takes to build such things. Space is beautiful in its own right and the steps that we take to learn more about it only further the connection between itself and art.

NASA International Space Station Construction

Citations

"John Curtin Gallery." Artabase. N.p., 30 Apr 2010. Web. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.artabase.net/exhibition/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>.

Quantum Dots. N.d. Photograph. sigmaaldrichWeb. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/content/dam/sigma-aldrich/materials-science/nanomaterials/photolumin-scence-of-alloyed-quantum-dots.jpg>.

Chapple, Boo. "Boo Chapple." Residual Soup. N.p.. Web. 28 Jul 2013. <http://residualsoup.org/boo-chapple.html>.

Silver Nano Particle. N.d. Photograph. BlogspotWeb. 28 Jul 2013. <https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFFHHLmpY-QWE-UrUJayyGCEbZ1GQPAPMXh4TaTLxOEqHeqPkc4mwf1FsAlpsb58xEo48Pvr3Q_BOcADppxBY6cRvbtL4AcUrGTqEu_u_L-TM0jao4fof1zvO_Ebx9g5TE9TtXu5nbyo8/s400/silver+nano.jpg>.

"Silver Nanoparticles: Properties and Applications."sigmaaldrich. N.p.. Web. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/materials-science/nanomaterials/silver-nanoparticles.html>.

NASA International Space Station. N.d. Video. YouTubeWeb. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCLHJ0YUAC4>.

"NASA's IRIS Telescope Offers First Glimpse of Sun's Mysterious Atmosphere." NASA. N.p., 25 Jul 2013. Web. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.nasa.gov/content/goddard/iris-telescope-first-glimpse-of-suns-mysterious-atmosphere/index.html>.

Solar System. N.d. Photograph. WiredWeb. 28 Jul 2013. <http://www.wired.com/images_blogs/wiredscience/2012/12/Our-Solar-System-Montage1.jpg>.

Medicine + Biotechnology + Neuroscience + Art

This week's lessons on biotechnology and neuroscience in relation to art was extremely eye-opening for me. I was unaware of the fact that many artists actually worked in scientific laboratories to create their masterpieces. I believe that life itself is a very valid expressive medium for artwork. Whether or not it is ethical depends on the situation. The GFP (fluorescent) Bunny by Eduardo Kac is an example of transgenic art. This requires alteration of the animal's genes which some people have viewed as torturous and unnecessary. Another example is Joe Davis' Audio Microscope; I find this concept to be an amazing step for both art and science. Being able to hear living cells greatly extends our knowledge and opens new doors for scientific research.

GFP Bunny

I see the meaning inherent in the use of biotechnology for the purpose of art as a way to find a connection between life and creativity. It is an artist's ability to create a work that embodies both principles. As wonderful as this concept is, I think that restrictions should be more stringent for artists than for those in academia because a line has to be drawn on what can and cannot be done to the human body and to animals. There are ethical concerns and much controversy surrounds this topic. 

Human Brain

There is a need for separate standards for those manipulating human life and other organisms for artistic reasons. I find it necessary to protect humans and animals from harm but at the same time allow for artists to express their creativity. Neuroscience is another area of academia that has had much contact with art in the recent decades. Brainbows, for example, allow us to map neural connections using fluorescent colors. This in itself produces beautiful works that clearly shows the entwining nature of the human body and art.

"Brainbow"

It is difficult to say whether or not there should be a limit to human creativity. There should only be a limit when it comes down to whether this creativity is harmful to life or unethical in any way. Creativity should never be suppressed but at the same time, we cannot allow for living organisms to endure pain or hardship because of it. 

Transgenic Fish

Citations

Eduardo , Kac. "GFP Bunny." . N.p.. Web. 21 Jul 2013. <http://www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html>

Design Media Arts 98T Genetics and Culture. Joe Davis. N.p.. Web. 21 Jul 2013. <http://www.viewingspace.com/genetics_culture/pages_genetics_culture/gc_w03/davis_joe.htm>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Biotechnology and Art." DESMA 9. University of California, Los Angeles. 

Miller, Greg. "Rainbow Brain Map Reveals Grid-Like Pattern." Science Now. 30 3 2012: n. page. Web. 21 Jul. 2013. <http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2012/03/connectome-brain-map/>.

Transgenic Fish. N.d. Photograph. NatureWeb. 21 Jul 2013. <http://www.nature.com/nbt/journal/v26/n11/images/nbt1108-1205-I1.jpg>.

GFP Bunny. N.d. Photograph. ConncollWeb. 21 Jul 2013. <http://www.conncoll.edu/ccacad/zimmer/GFP-ww/images/alba2.jpg>.

Human Brain. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 21 Jul 2013. <http://media.salon.com/2012/08/ravenous_brain_rect.jpg>.

Brainbow. N.d. Photograph. TumblrWeb. 21 Jul 2013. <http://25.media.tumblr.com/6b968eefe73542a8fb86c857394c7259/tumblr_mkhbcuL0Fy1r2m36ko1_1280.jpg>.

MedTech + Art

The connection between medical technology and art is actually quite a significant one. It never occurred to me before I took this course but it has become more apparent that the human body and the different ways we view it are indeed artistic. The Visible Human Project, which took cross sections of the male and female human bodies, gives artists insight into the different angles and different structures that make up these bodies.

Head Cross Section Model

In addition to this, there has been many other projects that explore the potentials of the human body such as Kevin Warwick's Project Cyborg 1.0. Warwick had a micro chip implanted in his forearm that allowed monitoring of his actions when he was away from his computer. These works of art are the product of combining art and medical technology. However, it is interesting to note that these technologies were not incorporated into medicine until relatively recently, as mentioned in lecture. 

MRI Machine

The development of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) has given the medical field more opportunities  than it has had in the past. It has given us the ability to diagnose diseases in an attempt to treat and find cures. Art has also opened the door to plastic surgery, making it possible to repair, mold, and shape human body parts. I was surprised to learn that plastic surgery came about because of war injuries. The myriad of ways that art and medtech are bound can be seen by looking at any hospital or research facility. I believe that as long as this connection continues, the kinds of technologies that are being and will be invented can only be beneficial to mankind.

Citations

U.S. National Library of Medicine. Visible Human Project. 1995. Print. <http://www.nlm.nih.gov/research/visible/>.

"Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)." WebMD. WebMD, 16 May 2011. Web. 14 Jul 2013. <http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri>.

"What Happens When a Man is Merged With a Computer." The University of Reading. Web. 14 Jul 2013. <http://www.kevinwarwick.org/Cyborg1.htm>.

Plastic Surgery. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 14 Jul 2013. <http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/maps_and_graphs/2010/2/1/1265049142417/Patient-with-Surgical-Mar-001.jpg>.

Do You Really Need an MRI?. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 14 Jul 2013. <http://essentialsomatics.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/medical-monitoring.jpg>.

Head Cross Section Model. N.d. Photograph. RandommizationWeb. 14 Jul 2013. <http://randommization.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/02/Paper-Tissue-Human-Anatomy.jpg>.

Math + Robotics + Art

On the outside, it seems like math and art have nearly nothing to do with the one another. However, taking the time to think about it has allowed me to realize how important math concepts are to artists. This comes in the form of proper measurements, geometrical shapes, and the computational methods that allow for fractals for example. According to Nick Gessler, we can even track cultural changes using technology. This, of course, would require computational power which is just another word for math.

Fractal

I believe that math gives art more structure and organization than it would normally have. They go hand in hand even if it doesn't seem so to the naked eye. Another example of how art and math intertwine is through origami. Robert J. Lang has created hundreds of designs and is considered a master in this field. Geometrical shapes and precise measurements are required for these pieces of art. 

Origami

This leads us to concept of robotics and the arts. Before there can be robots, there must be mass production which started with Gutenberg's movable type. This is the beginning of a time of transition where, slowly, printing lead to more advanced electronics to eventually what is now known as the internet. Robots must have computational abilities and these are known as cyborgs or cybernetic organisms. An example of how this relates to art is through Gordon Pask's cybernetic art systems. This machine allows for mood and lighting changes based on the performer for which it is working. I find it very interesting that we are capable of creating technology that can do these tasks for us.

Robotics

Looking at Leonardo Da Vinci's Mona Lisa painting, as mentioned in this week's lecture, has helped me understand the concept of the Golden Ratio in art. This can be explained by looking at a line segment and envisioning that a small section to the larger sections' ratio is equivalent to the larger section to the whole piece ratio. 

Mona Lisa

Art, science, mathematics, and industrialization are all interrelated concepts in today's world. It is very difficult to find one that does not involve any of the other in this modern age. I would even say that they depend on each other for success. One example of this would be the cellular phone. It must have an aesthetic appearance (small, lightweight, pleasing to look at), it must have computational power which requires mathematics, and it is created on an assembly line. 

Citations:

Gessler, Nicholas. Interview by Margaret Wertheim. Things That Think: An Interview With Computer Collector Nicholas Gessler 2006. Cabinet. . Print. http://www.theiff.org/publications/cab21-gessler.html.

Lang, Robert J. "About the Artist." Robert J. Lang Origami. N.p., n.d. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://www.langorigami.com/>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Robotics Art." DESMA 9. University of California, Los Angeles. Los Angeles, California. 2012. 

Norman, Jeremy. "From Gutenberg’s Movable Type to the Digital Book, and Other Studies in the History of Media." From Cave Paintings to the Internet. Jeremy Norman & Co., Inc., 6 Aug 2011. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://www.historyofinformation.com/narrative/index.php>.

Da Vinci, Leonardo. Mona Lisa. N.d. Photograph. WikipediaWeb. 7 Jul 2013. <http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/6a/Mona_Lisa.jpg/677px-Mona_Lisa.jpg>.

Robot. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://www.quorrischarmyn.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/nod32robot.png>.

Paper Cranes. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://api.ning.com/files/rxvLLnWkyLjF74SrXXdTreK2sY01d91ZOnmneW8HqvTKyOmCGOUhDXukTCYz1qYUe9BYbSifQCcFxZ5-a6rWbb8ap-UqSxpl/MabonaOrigami1.jpg>.

Fractal. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. 7 Jul 2013. <http://koleksifoto.com/images/wallpapers/31819736/Exclusive/Fractal_Art/Fractal_Art_17.jpg>.