Event 1: Made In L.A. 2014 (Hammer Museum)

When I first saw Hammer Museum on the list of recommended events, I was ecstatic because I currently intern for the administration portion of the museum in the finance department. Even though I work almost every day, I never had a reason to visit the exhibits and was always curious about the unique displays all throughout the museum. In fact, for the past couple of months, I dealt with the accounting aspect of a new exhibition currently ongoing at Hammer, titled Made in L.A., and constantly reviewed paperwork regarding artists and artwork, so it was an interesting experience to finally see all of this in action!

Made in L.A. 2014 is Hammer Museum’s biennial exhibition that features Los Angeles’ artists with a particular emphasis on emerging and under-recognized artists. The galleries debut recent work and new artwork—paintings, sculptures, videos, installations, photography, and performances—created specifically for Made in L.A. 2014.

On Sunday, July 13, I attended one of Made in L.A. 2014’s talks and tours, titled “What is ART?” the first half of this event was comprised of a discussion with the attendees and art specialists, and the remainder was a walk-and-talk through the galleries.

The discussion piqued my interests and stimulated my imagination when asked to answer: “What is Art?” Oftentimes, because of the way we are taught since childhood, we have a tendency to associate art with more visual elements such as drawings and paintings, but does art really have any boundaries? By definition, art is the “expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

What Is Art? Favorite Famous Definitions, from Antiquity to Today 

[Interesting definitions of Art]

Art can be virtually anything that conveys a message that is of more than ordinary significance. Because art is any discovery, passionate development, or mysterious manifestation, art is not solely limited to the visual branch of creative activity, but rather extended to all realms of music, dance, literature and everything else of the less conventionalist sort.

With this realization in mind, the discussion transitioned into the gallery walk-and-talk where we observed various artistic abstractions and attempted to apply our knowledge of what art is and signifies. The first work of art that we analyzed was “42” by Channing Hansen. Hansen’s work combines his interest in the history of science and technology with his commitment to handcraft. As a physics enthusiast, Hansen delves into questions of math and science in his paintings, which reflect the possibility of art as being answers to the staggering wonders of our time.

["42" by Channing Hansen]

“42” was inspired by Hansen’s desire to manifest radical scientific paradigms and give form to contemporary ideas that seem to exist mainly as abstractions.  Although this “painting” (as he calls it) appears to be designed by random improvisations of shapes and colors, the knitted surface that ranges from raw to refined, thick to thin, loose to tight, chunky to fine is predetermined by a computer mathematical algorithm. 

The next work of art that we looked at was “ENDE: Like a New Beginning” by Emily Mast. Interestingly, this work is presented in different parts and installations that are scattered throughout the museum, rather than being situated side-by-side as an attempt to create echoes or “déjà vu moments” as you wander through the space.  “ENDE” encompasses different methods of delivery, with one part as a visual installation, another as a song, and another as a performance. Mast upends the styles of theatrical staging in an effort to “unsettle the expectations of the viewer.” In her performing arts based works, Mast “muddles conventional ways of delivering information through innovative methods of casting actors and reinterpreting language to examine the varying paths of communication.”

[3 of a total of 5 parts to "ENDE: Like a New Beginning" by Emily Mast]

Would I recommend this event? I definitely do! Unfortunately, this specific talk/tour is given only once throughout the 4 month ongoing exhibition. However, Made in L.A. 2014 is made up of a plethora of talks, tours, viewings, and screenings that are equally fascinating and worth the time.

Made In L.A. 2014

[Just being silly and re-enacting one of the gallery performances]

Works Cited:

Popova, Marla. "What Is Art? Favorite Famous Definitions, from Antiquity to Today." Brain Pickings RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2012/06/22/what-is-art/>.

"Made In L.A. 2014." The Hammer Museum. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://hammer.ucla.edu/made-in-la-2014/>.

http://channing-hansen.squarespace.com/

"Made In L.A., 2014: Emily Mast, 24.35." Web log post. Los Angeles I'm Yours. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.laimyours.com/67877/made-in-l-a-2014-emily-mast-24-35/>.

Week 3: Medicine + Technology + Art

“Just as organisms and other natural forms of life develop through an incredibly complex series of interactions, so develop masterpieces of art through series of interactions. Each component of this interaction may independently exhibit its own characteristic and dynamic behavior. Yet when they are combined into some larger functioning unit, utterly new and unpredictable properties emerge.” 

(Ingber D. – The Architecture of Life)

In similar views, a work of art isn’t simply comprised of the paintbrush and abstract expressions. Art is an amalgam of many different disciplines and thoughts through which the creator evokes a message, whether executed with the conscious thought that he/she is blending different ideas or whether that blend is a natural result of pure creativity.

In the past decade, a lot of research has been devoted to the influence of the arts across all curriculums and the newfound purpose that the arts seems to serve in the contemporary world aside from its intended aesthetic purpose. One particular field the arts has been improving and will continue to transform is the “MedTech” domain—or the sphere of Medicine and Technology.

By Wikipedia’s definition, the term medicine refers to the “field that mixes applied science with art in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of diseases.” The word is derived from the Latin ars medicina, meaning the “art of feeling.” This definition even extends to the Hippocratic Oath, which remains in Western civilization as an expression of “ideal conduct for the physician.” Throughout this oath, “medicine” is synonymously replaced with “art”

To hold him who has taught me this art as equal to my parents, …

In purity and holiness I will guard my life and my art.

[ Hippocratic Oath by Hippocrates]

It is no wonder then, to see why incorporating the arts can improve the patient’s experience and do a lot more. For example, for a young boy with severe spasticity, music can be used to relieve his fears and anxieties of being in a hospital, be a distraction from the pain of treatment, provide comfort, and increase the likelihood that the child would be cooperative during a medical procedure. In fact, music therapy is one common example of how art and medicine/technology frequently come together to resolve many of today’s problems.

[While researching additional information on how music therapy applies to human health and well-being and came across 3 interesting articles/audios. The first link below relates music therapy directly to five health conditions: Autism, Dementia, Depression, Infant Development, Sleep Quality. The second link is a 3 minute talk on NPR Music regarding the possibility that music may be as good as medication. The third link is another commentary from NPR Music with patients, doctors, and scientists about the research and practice of music therapy.]

Music Therapy for Health and Wellness

NPR: Harp Therapy

NPR: Music Therapy 

Although some might be inclined to dismiss the arts as a triviality, research is showing other reasons why physician and health care specialists should become advocates for incorporating the arts in medicine. Medical students are expected to hone their observational, listening, and critical thinking skills while expanding their capacity to empathize with the patients. It seems that students with more “right brain” qualities—related to imagery, visual and drawing skills—have began to emerge as more successful in today’s digital, image-based world of medicine. Of course, we live in a society that fosters the left brain and stifles the right brain, but increasing numbers of studies continue to attest to the unique synergy of art and medicine and the boundless capacity of the visual arts to allow physicians to pick up more physical findings.

[Left Brain vs Right Brain]

Moreover, medical illustrators use 3D technology as key elements in their illustrations, helping to pull layers apart to reveal the inner aspects and structures of the body. Innovative and interactive apps such as Interact Elsevier and The Netter Atlas further help medical professionals to reinforce anatomical detail through 3D animation.

 [Technology is an integral part of today's medical education, with 3D animation rendering medical illustrations used in fields of anatomy and surgery.]

Many may ask, “Is there anything intrinsic to medical practice that can reasonably be called an art?” Well… medicine is not directly art. Instead, medicine is supposed to be a scientific study and its practice an art. Both art and science are interdependent and inseparable, just like two sides of a coin. The importance of the art of medicine is because we have to deal with a human being, a body, and a soul. To be a good medical practitioner, one has to become a good artist with sufficient scientific knowledge. And technology covered with the layer of art can bring relief to the sick.

Works Cited:

Dolev JC, Friedlaender L, Braverman IM. "Use of Fine Art to Enhance Visual Diagnostic Skills." JAMA Network. American Medical Association, 5 Sept. 2001. Web. <http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1031468>.

Between Minds. Digital image. Mindjet. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://blog.mindjet.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/05/JESS3_Mindjet_BetweenMinds_RBvLB-final.jpg>.

Ulbricht, Catherine. "Music Therapy for Health and Wellness." Psychology Today: Health, Help, Happiness + Find a Therapist. Natural Standard, 21 June 2013. Web. <http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/natural-standard/201306/music-therapy-health-and-wellness>.

Was, David. "Harp Therapy: Music As Medication." Audio blog post. NPR. N.p., 24 Nov. 2009. Web. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=120768762>.

Tomaino, Connie, Maria Logis, William Benzon, and Dr. Oliver Sacks. "Re: Music Therapy." Audio blog comment. NPR. N.p., 28 June 2002. Web. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=1145741>.

Ingber, Donald E. "The Architecture of Life." Scientific American 278.1 (1998): 48-57. Web.

Tyson, Peter. "The Hippocratic Oath Today." PBS. PBS, 27 Mar. 2001. Web. <http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/hippocratic-oath-today.html>.

Week 2: Math + Art & Robotics + Art

In this week’s lecture on the intersection of Math and Art, we are exposed to the link between the applications of Mathematics and its deep, albeit mutually beneficial influence on the two cultures of Art and Science. It is fascinating to see that behind every drawing, which seems to have derived from pure aesthetic talent, is rather a mental calculation of space and distance and that without the functions of mathematics, it is nearly impossible to produce a realistic representation of art.

As introduced in the works of Brunellesci, perspectives and vantage points are vital in its ability to create static images that are ultimately seen by the human eye to be felt aesthetically pleasing. The importance of perspective is satirized in Edwin A. Abbott’s Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. In the world of Flatland, where everything is occupied by geometric figures in a purely two-dimensional setting, everyone and everything is viewed as a straight line; the only way to distinguish and recognize one another is through perspectives and vantage points that differentiate between distance and reflection of light and size.

In these two works of art, we can see the crucial role perspectives and vantage points play in the interpretation of artworks. In Picasso's Guernica, colors are drained and there is no space and perspective. This causes the work of art to be less a classical composition, but more a fast-moving kaleidoscope of child-like images. To the contrary, in Leonardo da Vinci's The Last Supper, the real distant landscape allows us to understand juxtaposition and spacing.

One of the biggest and most common examples of the intersection between mathematics and art is origami. Physicist Jun Maekawa has published some fundamental theorems that popularize the method of using crease patterns in designing origami models of surprising elegance. Through mathematical analysis, Maekawa was able to explain theorems on the foldability of origami models. Although origami is generally considered and practiced in a light manner by children, beneath all the amusement and enjoyment is the technical algorithm that allows us to experiment and invent new models of complexity.

Works of origami by Physicist Jun Maekawa

In mathematics, two quantities are in the “golden ratio” when their ratio is the same as the ratio of their sum to the larger of the two quantities.  This property has fascinated Western intellectuals of diverse interests for over 2000 years. While ancient Greek mathematicians have spent endless hours over this simple ratio because of its frequent appearance in geometry, the fascination of the Golden Ratio is not confined solely to mathematicians, as artists have historically pondered the basis of its ubiquity and appeal of harmonious proportions.

A famous example of the Golden Ratio’s application to art is Piet Mondrian’s “Composition with Gray and Light Brown.”  Mondrian chose to distill his representations of the world to their basic vertical and horizontal elements, which he believed represented the two essential opposing forces: the positive and the negative, the dynamic and the static, the masculine and the feminine. Mondrian once said, “I wish to approach truth as closely as possible, and therefore I abstract everything until I arrive at the fundamental quality of objects,” and as can be seen in his 1918 painting, the Golden Ratio allowed him to abstract reality to approach his perception of truth.

Composition with Gray and Light Brown by Piet Mondrian

Another remarkable aspect of the golden ratio is how omnipresent it is in our universe. The link below captures 15 uncanny examples of the golden ratio found in nature.

http://io9.com/5985588/15-uncanny-examples-of-the-golden-ratio-in-nature

In the lecture on Robotics + Art, we see once again that Art can be applied in other disciplines, otherwise regarded to be wholly irrelevant to Art itself. Professor Vesna raised many questions that piqued my interests in how Robotics and Art can possibly come together. How do artists use mechanization in their worlds? How are artists influenced by robotics?

Some of the earliest and pioneering examples of science and technology merging with art trace back to the invention of the printing press and the movable type. Not only did these inventions make life easier, but they also opened up the possibilities and avenues for future developments that will come to unite art and science in unprecedented ways.

We are introduced to the transformation and revolution of art in the lens of what Walter Benjamin believes is to be the age of Mechanical Reproduction. According to Benjamin, “one of the foremost tasks of art has always been the creation of demand which could be fully satisfied only later.” Based on his ideologies, history has essentially taught us that "art aspires to effects which could be fully obtained only with a changed technical standard"—a new art form. And Benjamin sees the first step to reaching this new standard beginning with the act of outraging the public.

A contemporary example of artists making works of art the center of scandal is Dirk, the homeless robot, created by Electric Circus, as picture below. Not only is mathematics necessary and crucial in the construction and creation of the free-moving robot, but the science is also an important part of the animatronics that allows for the art to create its alluring appearance and memorable street performances that altogether invite the spectators to contemplation.

Dirk, the Homeless Robot by Electric Circus

Additionally, over the last 15 years, art and technology have come together at the studio of Dr. Mari Velonaki. Velonaki and her team created the Diamandini installation at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, not only for the purpose of building interesting robotic machines, but also and mainly to gather data on how visitors interacted with the unconventional work of art. Through this installation, we are able to learn how robots can make emotional connections to engage humans; this engagement is astonishing in the context of an art exhibition, where visitors typically only spend a few minutes before moving on.

Diamandini installation at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London

Created by Dr. Mari Velonaki

Only through the integration of math, art, science, and technology can we produce favorable solutions to our daily problems. Just as Art and Science must not act as separate disciplines but instead work together to create satisfying results, so must math, art, science, and technology not diverge from each other. Instead, all four studies should work together and build off of each fields’ discoveries to produce harmonious advancements.

Works Cited

Hull, Thomas. "Origami Mathematics." Page. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 July 2014. <http://mars.wne.edu/~thull/origamimath.html>.

Abbott, Edwin Abbott. Flatland: A Romance of Many Dimensions. New York: Barnes & Noble, 1963. 1-69. Print.

"DIRK." Dirk. Electric Circus, n.d. Web. 01 July 2014. <http://www.electric-circus.eu/htmlenglish/dirk.html>.

Dvorsky, George. "15 Uncanny Examples of the Golden Ratio in Nature."Io9. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 July 2014. <http://io9.com/5985588/15-uncanny-examples-of-the-golden-ratio-in-nature>.

Lim, Angelica. "What Roboticists Can Learn From Art, and What Artists Can Learn From Robots." IEEE Spectrum. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 July 2014. <http://spectrum.ieee.org/automaton/robotics/diy/what-roboticists-can-learn-from-art>.

Mondrian, Piet. Composition With Gray and Light Brown. 1918. Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, TX, USA. WikiArt. N.p.: n.p., n.d. N. pag. Web. <http://www.wikiart.org/en/piet-mondrian/composition-with-gray-and-light-brown-1918>.

Works by Jun Maekawa. Digital image. Papercrane. N.p., n.d. Web. 04 July 2014. <http://www.papercrane.org/index/Convention/76>.

Vinci, Leonardo Da. The Last Supper. N.d. Daily Mail. Web. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1259247/BRIAN-SEWELL-Ten-greatest-painters-changed-world-art.html>.

Picasso, Pablo. Guernica. 1937. Daily Mail. Web. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/moslive/article-1259247/BRIAN-SEWELL-Ten-greatest-painters-changed-world-art.html>.