NanoTech + Art Daniel Eaton

Prior to this weeks lecture I can honestly say I knew nothing about NanoTech, and never would have guessed what it really was. It turns out that has many different uses and aspects to it, much to my surprise. From what I've seen from lecture it has high potential to be partnered by artist for use through art in our lives.

Specifically things called nanoparticles are what really bring NanoTech and art together, through our material world with thing we can see despite that fact we really cannot see nanoparticles. Boo Chapple an artist, was able to make a speaker system created from bone... This relationship of art and NanoTech is created through the nanoparticles. They form a matrix that vibrates and by doing so produces sound. To me this really was a unique example of the complicated relationship between NanoTech and art.

Nanotechnology has also allowed for scientists to explore the world of nanoparticles and biomimicry.  One example that has been highly looked at is the Adhesive feet of Geckos that allow them to support their weight while walking up walls or horizontal along walls. The adhesive of the Gecko feet actually comes from mini hairs on the feet of the gecko. This adhesive has been part of the NanoTech creations that could allow humans to almost replicate geckos to support themselves and walk up walls with the tech on. Geckos don't even use all the hairs on their feet when doing this, if they did they would be able to support one hundred times+ their own weight. This has fascinated artist and scientist with nanotech in hopes to duplicate these nano-particles to gain a huge advantage with the future of adhesives. 

Not only have nano particles been used in biomimicry, but also with man made creations such as clothing to make things water resistant. Specifically with a lot of athletic apparrel just as tights, compression shorts/shirts, yoga pants to avoid sweat and bacteria. Companies like Baktuli have made towels with “Microban” technology that “provide continuous antimicrobial protection for the useful life of the fabric”. NanoTech is used by most people every day without even knowing it with the clothes they wear. Its integration into art is becoming more and more popular and is only continuing to grow with clothing apparel, and future adhesive tech. 

 

Sources

"Biologically Inspired Synthetic Gecko Adhesives" Image. 2014. Web. 22 July 2016. <https://robotics.eecs.berkeley.edu/~ronf/Gecko/Hierarchy3.jpg>

Bradley, David. "Better Than Duct Tape." Science. N.p., 02 June 2003. Web. 22 July 2016. 

Curtin, John. "Art in the Age of Nanotechnology." Art.Base. N.p., 2009. Web. 22 May 2016. <https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology>

"Microban." Baktuli. N.p., n.d. Web. 22 July 2016. <http://www.baktuli.com/pages/microban>

Uconlineprogram. "Nanotech Jim Pt3." YouTube. YouTube, 22 July 2012. Web. 22 July 2016. 

You, Jia. "Gecko-inspired Adhesives Allow People to Climb Walls." Science. N.p., 18 Nov. 2014. Web. 22 July 2016.

Baktuli. N.d. Http://www.mothandrust.se/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/02_baktuli.jpg. Web.

Boo Chapple- Bone System. N.d. Https://www.google.com/search?q=Boo Chapple&rlz=1C1BLWB_enUS551US551&espv=2&biw=1360&bih=623&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiWsu6I84zOAhUHzGMKHWzTBmYQ_AUIBigB#imgrc=i_NCO-oi1fX3HM:. Web. 

Event 2- Daniel Eaton

Yesterday I went to the Getty museum for my second event. Although I’ve been in the westwood area the last four years I’ve never been to the Getty before, and discovered that the getty is actually really beautiful. The specific area I spent the most time at was called the “Overdrive” exhibit which focused on all of Los Angeles. It included a wide range of aspects about Los Angeles and I found it really interesting.

Unfortunately I found out once inside that pictures were not allowed so I took this picture from the outside. Pictures would have been useful however, because as mentioned it talked about the many aspects of Los Angeles which was a lot of information. Some of the things that stood out to me about it were the emphasis on the freeways and traffic throughout Los Angeles (Which I hate the traffic here so it was ironic). Other things besides the traffic that had a lot of information was the design, layout, and architecture of the greater Los Angeles area, as well as the growth of the city overall. I really enjoyed this because prior to this, it’s something that I’ve thought about in classes that came up here or there but never really went deeper into and specifically the uniqueness of these aspects of Los Angeles compared to other major cities.

I was surprised how descriptive it was with the growth of the freeway and then the traffic that came with it so fast. It was a timeline view of the city and its growth with specific events that made the city become a Major city. The growth of the city of Los Angeles is similar to the human body and its growth, specifically looking at the nervous system. The nervous system obviously is built up of many neurons that are separate, however once activated through movement or action they start growing and coming together to form a network. It’s very similar to Los Angeles in regards that it was small separate pieces here and there that slowly become connected to one another to form into a Major city. 

When I came to Ucla I really had an interest in architecture as a possible major, it conflicted with my athletics schedule however. After going to the Getty, that interest was kind of brought back to em because of part of the exhibit was the types of architecture throughout Los Angeles. It gave different backgrounds of artist and their viewpoints of looking and creating architecture which I thought was really cool. Most of them tried to break away from straight line architecture which was the norm of their times that engineers would suggest/follow. Artist breaking away from this norm was actually disliked by people living in the LA area, specifically Santa Monica and Brentwood residents who preferred the straight line methods. The places that really embraced these different and new artistic styles were Hollywood and Bel Air. Overall from looking at the architecture information, I really got a grasp of the many different aspects and designs of each area within Los Angeles that make up and create the greater Los Angeles area and give it a unique blend unlike any other Major city. The last four years living here I’ve never really noticed or looked for the difference between areas, but now going forward I will take advantage of the trip to the Getty and the cool pieces of information it gave me to examine certain areas of LA. I overall highly recommend a trip to the getty, and specifically to the “Overdrive” exhibit. 

Neuroscience and Art Blog

After this weeks lecture neuroscience and art in my opinion may have one of the closes relationships of all the topics we have covered so far in the class.The field of neuroscience is a mixture of many different disciplines (i.e. psychology, art, anatomy, philosophy and physiology.) in the article. According to Smir Zeki, a neuroscience at University College of London, “Art is governed by the law of the brain and it is brains that see art and it is brains that make art”. Specifically with the example of the relationship between the brain and how we perceive visual language and translate it linguistically and the connection between the two. Where the art factor comes in, it dependent upon the artists mental presence with this connection. Once I finished this weeks lecture and thought about this connection, I came up with my opinion of why I think the mind and art (Neuroscience and Art) very extremely similar/connected. 


“Neuroculture”, the authors Giovanni Frazzetto and Suzanne Anker’s mentions that the neuroscience field is expressed through our culture, actions, movements, and thoughts, as opposed to being specifically studied in a lab. Giving them the ability to do their research and studies on it with many different creative and unique methods as opposed to specific lab experiments and methods.

Professor Vesna this week talked about the research and lack of knowledge despite vast research that goes into the humans dreams. So little is known about them, and professor Vesna uses examples from researches of the hierarchical architecture of human consciousness. The study of hierachical architecture has had a huge impact on the field of neuroscience and art. Artist Matt Mullican uses and works with the idea of hypnosis (What I consider more of an Art/Show), and its influence on the unconsciousness of the mind. This relationship of the mind and action of the person whose hypnotised shows a unique and interesting connection to Neuroscience and Art. Under this trance the mind is not aware of this process/art, yet still connects to the body to perform certain actions. 



Work Cited

-Hypnosis. Digital image. Https://udemy-images.udemy.com/course/750x422/127236_99b7_7.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web.

- A Dangerous Mind Film. Digital image. Http://starcityblog.typepad.com/.a/6a010536966cf9970c0167613c1a2e970b-800wi. N.p., n.d. Web.

 -Brainbrow. Digital image. Https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/hphotos-xaf1/t51.2885-15/s320x320/e15/10932419_645971375515265_2146628822_n.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web.

 -"Art and the Limits of Neuroscience." Opinionator Art and the Limits of Neuroscience Comments. Web. 17 July 2016.

-  Frazzetto, Giovanni, and Suzanne Anker. "Neuroculture." Nature Reviews Neuroscience Nat Rev Neurosci 10.11 (2009): 815-21. Web.

-Vesna, Vitoria. "Neuroscience-pt2.mov." YouTube. Web. 17 July 2016.

-"The Believer - Interview with Matt Mullican." The Believer. 2012. Web. 17 July 2016.

-""Performance Under Hypnosis (Whitney)", Matt Mulligan." YouTube. Web. 17 July 2016.

BioTech + ART blog

BioTech + Art this week has been the most interesting topic of the class so far in my opinion. From the lecture and videos given the impression of BioTech+ Art relationship is really one that is unique with the scientific community and its connection to life. Looking at the different resources that talk about the relationships between artists and their use of science to further art and show how art can further science. I'd say that one of the biggest factors of the BioTech+Art relationship is that it draws attention to the ethical and social issues that could get easily ignored.

Ken Rinaldo with his interactive robot sculpture
http://v2.nl/archive/people/ken-rinaldo

The article by Ellen K. Levy, "Defining life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications" talks about the fact that "Bio-artists" are aware of the philosophical and moral issues that come with manipulating and altering life. Within the article it seemed that these Bio-Artist not only have high interest in the growth in the materality of Biotech but also that understanding of the controversy that comes with their interest/field of work. He mentions that artist Rinaldo created robots that spontaneous traits that interact and then modify their behavior based off this interaction.The interaction with humans develops the robots further. This sounds more like Robotics + Art but its similar to this weeks topic because the manipulating life that the biotech artist is very similar to the work Rinaldo is doing manipulating the robots and their development.



Eduardo Kac's GFP bunny, Alba
http://www.ekac.org/gfpbunny.html 

According to professor Vesna, some artists have used science in a more vague manner with their work, which might not have been understood. Bio-artist have used their science to engineer living organisms for art. This is the flag as previous mentioned that questions the ethical and social issues with BioTech+Art. Eduardo Kac as and his transgenic artwork "GFP Bunny", gave a new view of art. His focus as he talks about is on the "Intervention of transgenic social subjects". This bunny is a great example of the creation from BioTech+ Art. Kac perfected this relationship by making something that isn't meant to and does not exist. His hybrid glowing animals were the results of this relationship. Kac's work proves the uncertainty at times and questions that come with what is consider to be art and ultimately is something artificially created/altered. 

WORK CITED

Kac, Eduaro. "GFP Bunny". Kac. Web. 15 July 2016. <http://www.ekac.org.gfpbunny.html#gfpbunnyanchor>

Kelley, Chris. "Meanings of Participation: Outlaw Biology?". 1-8. Web. 15 July 2016.

"Ken Rinaldo." V2_Institute for the Unstable Media. Web. 15 July 2016.

Levy, Ellen K. "Defining Life: Artists Challenge Conventional Classifications." 1-21. Web.

"GFP Bunny." GFP BUNNY. Web. 15 July 2016

Vesna, Victoria. "Biotechnology and Art Pt1." YouTube. YouTube, 2013. Web. 15 July 2016.

"Revival Field – Mel Chin." Revival Field – Mel Chin. Web. 09 May 2016.

Event 1- Daniel Eaton

This last week I went to the Griffith Observatory, and attended the live program "Water is life" within the Samuel Oschin Planetarium located on site. Water Is Life takes visitors on a trip through the solar system on a quest to find water. Water is life was written and produced specifically for a fifth grade field trip program, to greater understand that on Earth water is the key to life, and if we can find water on other worlds in the solar system/ and potentially life. Water is Life examines where water comes from in California, and ultimately how water on Earth keeps us alive. 
 
(View from Griffith over Los Angeles)

Immediately into the show the topic that immediately came to mind from the presentation was the "Robotics and art" lesson, through the use of robotics/technology the show is presented in a 3D (Imax) art form that takes you through space. Stopping at Mars, then through Jupiter's Ice moon Europa, and along side a comet in search for habitable planets beyond Earth.

The presentation/show uses incredible real footage and art work created footage of space generated from the centerpiece of tech in the middle of the room that displays it on the roof as you look up and watch. The presentation is generally ideal for families and those in 5th grade/middle school science, but it still is has a good informational for the viewer for in regards to if water or even life could potentially exist. By taking us step through step and from planet to moon to comet and so on we gain an interesting understanding to the requirements needed for water and life. The art visuals even though meant for the 5th grade viewer helps the presentation and make it easy to understand the information being told.

The machine used in the center of the room projects a huge 3D Imax art visual on to the dome type roof for the audience to sit back and watch and learn. I wasn't able to take pictures of the presentation itself, but I really enjoyed it and would recommend it to those that have an interest in the potential of life in the universe besides earth. Although the target audience is the youth, the art and visuals is for all ages and does an amazing job of capturing the solar system. The Presentation does an amazing job using technology to present a wonderful art piece of a visual to show that ultimately Earth is unlike any other planet in the solar system. Technology to display this can only grow with the growing relationship of robotics and art, if this presentation was combined with VR and specific interactive features with the art and presentation it could be really cool.

 

Week 2 Art + MedTech

Where I had little view of the relationship Art had on Robotics I can firmly say prior to this weeks lecture I had no clue on the relationship and influence Art and MedTech share. However now seeing the study of art with medical practices such as anatomy dissection I can grasp the relationship a bit more. This practice has allowed artist and people in the field of medicine to have a better image of the human body and all its features not just on the outside but on the inside of the body as well. A great example of this was the work of Diane Gromala. Her practice and other like it allow a visualization of the chronic pain throughout the body. She even calls her practice an art of examining the auditory, visual, and physical engagement as being derived from reality simulations.




From Professor Vesna's lecture, she mentions Orlan. An artist who had many operations done to herself to seem beautiful. This is as close as a relationship can get between MedTech and art coming together for something (Literally in Orlan's physical results).



Having gone through the lecture now completely I think that the relationship between Art and MedTech is a very important one now and will only continue to grow. The Art aspect of the relationship will give answers and further knowledge in the field of MedTech that can be very helpful. That being said in some cases this relationship as with Orlan may not the smartest thing (In my opinion). Overall the relationship has been around although I may not have recognized it as art, it is still something I think is highly valued and has a strong relationship.


Sources:

1. MailOnline, Victoria Woollaston for. "Microbial Masterpieces! Scientists 'paint' Detailed Works of Art by Growing Bacteria from Human Skin and Even Faeces in Petri Dishes." Mail Online. Associated Newspapers, 15 Oct. 2015. Web. 2 July.. 2016. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-3269542/Microbial-masterpieces-Scientists-paint-detailed-works-art-growing-bacteria-petri-dishes.html>. 

Orlan – Carnal Art (2001) Documentary. Dir. Stéphan Oriach. Perf. Orlan. N.d. Film. YouTube. Web. 26 Oct. 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=no_66MGu0Oo>

TEDxTalks. "TEDxAmericanRiviera - Diane Gromala - Curative Powers of Wet, Raw Beauty." YouTube. YouTube, 07 Dec. 2011. Web. 2 July. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRdarMz--Pw>.

Vesna, Victoria. “Http://www.youtube.com/v/Ep0M2bOM9Tk.” Lecture. Medicine pt1 . Youtube, 2 July. 2016. Web. 25 Oct. 2016. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep0M2bOM9Tk>.

Vesna, Victoria. “Http://www.youtube.com/v/FIX-9mXd3Y4.” Lecture. Medicine pt3. Youtube, 2 July. 2016. Web. 25 Oct. 2016. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FIX-9mXd3Y4>.

IMAGES:

Gromala 3d MedTech Art. Digital image. Http://gromala.iat.sfu.ca/New/images/ Gromala_Sharir_dervish_sml_2.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web.

Orlan. Digital image. Http://mov-artist.com/orlan/orlan4.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web.

Gromala 3d MedTech Art. Digital image. Http://www.fcat.sfu.ca/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/pb1800271-1024x695.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web. 

Week 2 Robotics + Art

When it came to the relationship of technology and art I had the view that technology was shaped and grew art, and that art didn't shape technology. I've seen Ipads and other electronic devices with apps that were designed or used to create different paintings/drawings, picture editing/photoshop, or other forms of of digital art. These digital arts to me were really my prime examples of technology aiding art, but in reverse it was rare for art to aid technology and I didn't pick up on it.

After going over this weeks lectures and readings I now have seen that in many way art also influences the creation of new forms of technology just as technology influences art. The example I look at is the perception of robots in Japan, and America and how Robots being a clear technological creation, are now being influenced and created to be imaged as a piece of art also. One such Robot in Japan is "Erica" a robot with distictive human features and details. In America we are starting to now see this human-like influence be added to robots along with a high technological intellect.
 

Now another thing pointed out this week was how science has influeced the reproduction of art, and how that art in returns helps us understand science. One such device is a geographic 3D printer.



Instead of simply creating a flat replication of a painting, a 3D printer is able to copy the bumps and marks from actual painting giving it a more realistic and authentic feel. This to me is a clear example of art furthering technology specifically scientific technology, because the image displayed allows a visual artist display to further understand geographic patterns. 

Ultimately art and science (robotics) in modern day are more beneficial too each other and are a closer relationship than I previously perceived. They now with robotics can bring together human like features and emotion to add a more artist/real feel to it.  Donna Haraway believes that robots will lead to a world where gender is obsolete, which I would agree with based upon this growing relationship between robotics and art and the control we have on that relationship. 

Sources:
1. Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. London: Penguin, 2008. Print.

2. Davis, Douglas. “The Work of Art in the Age of Digital Reproduction (an Evolving Thesis: 1991-1995)”. Leonardo 28.5 (1995): 381–386. Web…

 3. Knight, Heather. "How Humans Respond to Robots: Building Public Policy through Good Design." The Brookings Institution. 2014. Web. 1 July 2016 

 4. McCurry, Justin. "Erica, the 'most Beautiful and Intelligent' Android, Leads Japan's Robot Revolution." The Guardian. Guardian News and Media, 2015. Web. 1 July. 2016.

 5. "3D Printer Creates Identical Reproductions of Fine Art Paintings." Designboom Architecture Design Magazine 3D Printer Creates Identical Reproductions of Fine Art Paintings Comments. 2013. Web. 1 July. 2016. <http://www.designboom.com/art/oce-3d-printer-creates-identical-reproductions-of-fine-art-paintings-09-30-2013/>.

Images:

1. IRobot Human Features. Digital image. N.p., n.d. Web. http://media.guim.co.uk/503498e5a6536c850fd8df841f9488fe426ada5e/0_0_3226_1938/1000.jpg

2. Erica Robot. Digital image. Https://assets.jalantikus.com/assets/cache/0/0/userfiles/2015/08/13/erica-robot-android.jpeg. N.p., n.d. Web.

 

3. 3D Sandbox. Digital image. Http://vrf.wpengine.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/sandbox-11.jpg. N.p., n.d. Web.