Event 5 Blog Post: HOX ZODIAC: honoring the HORSE

The HOX ZODIAC event had a variety of hosts who spoke of their direct and spiritual experiences with horses, how this connects with their zodiac - and the overall impression it has left on them, their growth, and their character. Linda Weintraub spoke of philosophical elements and her interpretation of the horse through a fable that discusses a boy who would ride a horse at midnight. She describes the erotic relationship that horse may have with its ownder and people, from its fur, to the feeling of muscle and sweet and the outdoors. The boy was seen telling a psychiatrist his altruistic experience with the horse; it was ethereal and allowed him to transcend and experience clarity. The physiatrist envied the boy's passion, and for the psychiatrist to advise the boy he would also be taking away his euphoric experience and escapism from civilization. This form of energy is free from hate, anger, and dominance; it’s a reconnection with visceral energy and going back to the basic roots of oneness with the world and energy away from pressure and civilization. This is the peace we sacrifice when we conform to worldly pleasures and commitments.

Linda Weintraub

Next, Aleksandra Mara spoke of her love and connection to horses. To her, horses are simple and regal beings - their power and innocence attracts her to them equally so. Their energy, as she puts it, is very collaborative and mirrors its owner. Her zodiac is a horse; and she dedicates her time to relief work with horses as well. Though, she largely emphasized and spoke of how we must choose our identities; she relates this message to how she chooses to resonate with horses and what they have done for her and her peace. Hox zodiac is also a component to this as well for her. Aleksandra goes on to explain there is no real research to show or prove that the descriptions of the zodiac is real or factual, but rather there is science to back our acclimation to relate to something we starkly believe in. We are all trying to identify with something; it provides us with purpose. 

Aleksandra Mara

Sources (6 Total):

(1 Attendance Screenshot + 2 Images from Event + 3 Sources) 

 

Ho, F., & Chiao, C. (n.d.). Year of the horse: Fortune and personality – Chinese zodiac. Chinese New Year. Retrieved June 9, 2022, from https://chinesenewyear.net/zodiac/horse/ 

“LINDA WEINTRAUB.” UCLA Art | Sci Center + Lab, 2006, https://artsci.ucla.edu/node/1320. 

 

Mara, Aleksandra. “Aleksandra Mara.” HOX ZODIAC: Honoring the HORSE, Zoom, 5 June 2022. Accessed 9 June 2022. 

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Hox Zodiac.” HOX ZODIAC | UCLA Art | Sci Center + Lab, 26 May 2018, https://artsci.ucla.edu/node/1390. 

Weintraub, Linda. “Linda Weintraub.” HOX ZODIAC: Honoring the HORSE, Zoom, 5 June 2022. Accessed 9 June 2022. 

 

Attendance Screenshot:

Event 4 Blog Post: Toni Dove

 Toni Dove defines art based research using installations. Her works have been infused with crossover of theatrical elements. “The Lasso” is a combination of light kinetic motion, sounds, and scale. The scale serves in size relation to the body; this is purposeful since it provides an animate metric that Dove used to find relation between her work and people. This allows for a relation between those who view the art work and the kinetic energy it is composed of. Dove also describes that this robotic/ kinetic sculpture becomes somewhat more humanistic in efforts to relate to us - this personifies art. In this regard, Dove hopes  to engage audiences and break down barriers through avid interaction with her work.

“The Lasso”

Moreover, another work called “Lucid Possession” introduces a creative narrative through navigational interactives; this is a new kind of active relation than “Lasso” for viewers. “Lucid Possession” is a theater performance about an image of a girl. The purpose is to show that we live in analog with the digital world and reality. Robots in this work are made as surveillance for potential threats. The question of why we feel an impulse to replicate ourselves is presented and how we can determine the difference between the animate and inanimate world. This then connects our mind to the body, and is something that must be further explored. This cinematic technology is profound and provides existential questions to viewers. This theatrical work truly brings to life the inanimate.

“Lucid Possession”

Sources (6 Total):

(1 Attendance Screenshot + 2 Images from Event + 3 Sources) 

Dove, Toni. “Home.” @Bustlelamp | Tonidove.com, https://tonidove.com/.

Dove, Toni. “Lucid Possession.” Color Light Motion, Zoom, 28 May 2022. Accessed 9 June 2022.

Dove, Toni. “The Lasso.” Color Light Motion, Zoom, 28 May 2022. Accessed 9 June 2022.

“Toni Dove: Embodied Machines.” The Ringling, Gulf Coast Community Foundation, 2017, https://www.ringling.org/events/toni-dove-embodied-machines.

“Toni Dove's Lucid Possession.” Roulette, 27 Apr. 2013, https://roulette.org/event/toni-dove-lucid-possession-3/. 

Attendance Screenshot:

Event 3 Blog Post: Nina Sobell

 I attended Nina Sobell’s talk on the intermingling of the functions of the brain and how the internet is able to create art through this sort of means. Elements of non-verbal communication heavily influenced Sobell’s interpretation of the world and the way she implicated her work and designs. Energy is also a common theme in her ideas as she works towards optimizing what can not be seen into works of tangibility. This association relates a visual application to the unconscious and works as an electronic medium via brain wave drawings. These brain wave drawings render EEG interfaces through electrical impulse by the brain in which two people can see physical and mental images and create a single composite brain wave. In doing this, the aim was to view physcophilosphical aspects of the brain. This work was also meant to connect the physical and cyberworld.

“BrainWave Drawings”

Moreover, Sobells’s ongoing desire to visualize her surroundings and make more intimate connections led her to inner workings of meditation, memory, dream and fantasy. Participants were asked to write about a memory and a dream they had just experienced. Their voices served as a database and mixed with their heartbeats. The brainwaves of EEG were shown and their meditations were written and accounted for. People made one minute drawings per four minutes before a solar eclipse; the drawings were found to match up respectively. This experience of viewing the eclipse was profound in that people became closely connected as a result. This could indicate that they even felt the emotions during their viewing and expressed it though the similar images they composed. In all, the interactions between humans were better understood.

“Seance: Meditation”

Sources (6 Total):

(1 Attendance Screenshot + 2 Images from Event + 3 Sources) 

Nina Sobell. NINA SOBELL. (n.d.). Retrieved June 8, 2022, from http://ninasobell.com/

Scientific American Arabic . (1997, December 22). What is the function of the various     

brainwaves? Scientific American. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/what-is-the-function-of-t-1997-12-22/

Sobell, N. (2022). BrainWave Drawings. Zoom. Retrieved June 8, 2022.

Sobell, N. (2022). Seance: Meditation. Zoom. Retrieved June 8, 2022.

Sobell, N. (n.d.). HISTORY: BRAIN WAVE DRAWINGS. About: Brain wave drawings. Retrieved June 8, 2022, from http://www.ninasobell.com/ninasobell/history_brainwavedrawings.html 

 

 

Attendance Screenshot:

Week 9: Space + Art

 The vastness of space involves both the intricacies of astronomy and mathematics. Technological advancements such as telescopes have also expanded our realm of knowledge in regards to outer space. Within this, nanotechnology as well as the contribution of telescopes have permitted scientists to further discover the amenities and foreign objects that lie deeper within the universe, and space. 

Space

In addition, World War II further commenced the research and curiosity on space. The atomic bomb for instance, and later the Arms Race, were a large catalyst to the Space Race; this was a race between the Soviet Union and the United States to hurtle satellites into space - like Sputnik. This evolved the education system and developed attitudes towards math and science.

Space Race 

The intersection between art and space can be seen particularly through media and film. Star Trek for instance has had an enormous impact on social culture and the perception of space. For example, many people believe that Star Trek has been able to break certain social barriers and stereotypes such as gender roles and occupational discretions. In this manner, Star Trek has featured women at the forefront of certain escapades in space which embodies women and a newfound acknowledgment of their impact in the field of STEM. Although, other view that women were deemed in a sexist light as they were always pictured in skin-tight, figure-hugging apparel. 

Overall, this week’s lecture content aided me the most in understanding the topics and material.

Star Trek 

Resources (8): 

3 Images + 5 Sources

amazon. (n.d.). Star Trek. IMDb.com. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0060028/.

CAE. (n.d.). Space. Digitally immersive training and operational support solutions are required to prepare for the rapidly advancing space domain. CAE. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.cae.com/defense-security/space/.

https://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Social/star_trek/SH7.htm. (n.d.). Star Trek as a Cultural Phenomenon. U.S. Centennial of Flight Commission. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.centennialofflight.net/essay/Social/star_trek/SH7.htm

Richardson, D. (2017, May 28). ‘LUNAR’ SHORT FILM AN ODE TO THE SPACE RACE. SpaceFlight Insider. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.spaceflightinsider.com/video/lunar-short-film-an-ode-to-the-space-race/

Vesna, V. (2012, May 30). Space PT6. YouTube. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYmOtFjIj0M&t=273s

Vesna, V. (2013, July 29). 8 space pt1 1280x720. YouTube. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=174&v=6ZIqTR332l8&feature=emb_title

Vesna, V. (2013, July 29). 8 space pt2 1280x720. YouTube. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLZMDpoP-u0&t=463s

Wolf, K. (2021, August 9). Space In Art: Why It Matters and How to Use It Effectively. Skillshare Blog. Retrieved May 27, 2022, from https://www.skillshare.com/blog/space-in-art-why-it-matters-and-how-to-use-it-effectively/

Week 8: NanoTech + Art

Nanotechnology has ushered forth new avenues in the realm of science. This new form of technology manipulates atomic matter in order to create and foster brand new engineered properties and applications. Hence, this important paradigm shift in innovation is ever changing and adaptable, meaning it may also establish an interconnectedness towards art as well. 

Nanotechnology 

Dr.Gimzewski from this week’s lecture describes experimental developments that truly kick started the impact of Nanotechnology; the scanning tunneling microscope by Binning and Rohrer is able to gage the surface of an object through feeling it at an atomic level/basis. This ability better allows for a more precise microscopic view; it was first noticed in relation to the silicon 7x7 reconstruction. This finding is attributed to the geometric intricacies that are infused within this silicon model that only the scanning mechanism could actually interpret/depict. As long as the surface is electrical-conducting, this niche tool is also able to dissolve air and liquids, while many scopes can only break down vacuums.

Scanning Tunneling Microscope

Art serves as a means of connection and communication; it can transcend language barriers and is important towards cultural and historical progression. In this way, Nanotechnology can serve as a method of art preservation and continue the cycle of growth that art pervades.

Nano-droplets known as micelles are used to extract dirt and built up muck from walls or paintings. These particles are simple to clean due to their considerably high surface area of nano-solvent which makes their interaction with the surfaces high or more active. This form of conservation was initially used in Italy in the Brancacci Chapel. Hydrocarbon oil, called surfactants, are able to minimize the surface tension seen amongst liquids and effectively disintegrate the filth to become trapped in the oil of nanoparticles. In chemistry, this is comparable to “like solvents dissolve like solvents”.

As a result, this interconnectedness between art and nanotechnology provides a new frontier for advancement and learning.

​​Cappella Brancacci

 

Lastly, this week's lecture material is what most influenced my understanding of Nanotechnology + Art. 

References

 (3 Images + 5 Sources):

Physics, M. (2015). Scanning Tunneling Microscope. Quantum Physics & Lasers (A Level). Mini Physics . Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://www.miniphysics.com/scanning-tunneling-microscope.html.

Sailko. (2009). Cappella brancacci . Wikimedia Commons. MediaWiki. Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cappella_brancacci_00.JPG.

Sunipapramanik. (2017, May 12). Art Conservation and Nanotechnology: A wonderful confluence of arts and sciences. Sustainable Nano. Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://sustainable-nano.com/2017/05/12/art-conservation-and-nanotechnology/

UC Online. (2012). Nanotech for Artists Part 1 - Dr. Gimzewski. Youtube.com. Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7jM6-iqzzE&t=895s.

UC Online. (2012). Nanotech for Artists Part 2 - Dr. Gimzewski. Youtube.com. Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEp6t0v-v9c&t=767s.

UC Online. (2012). Nanotech for Artists Part 6 - Dr. Gimzewski. YouTube. Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oKlViSKkPd0&list=PL9DBF43664EAC8BC7&t=309s.

United States National Nanotechnology Initiative. (n.d.). What it is and how it works. National Nanotechnology Initiative. Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://www.nano.gov/nanotech-101/what

Yan, A. (2021). Nanotechnology. NANOTECHNOLOGY IN MEDICINE. Fusion Insider. Retrieved May 19, 2022, from https://www.fusioninsider.org/home/nanotechnology-in-medicine.

Week 7: Neuroscience + Art Blog Post

Neuroscience and the conscious mind is critical to our livelihood. The brain mobilizes our function and central nervous system. During sleep however we are within the unconscious mind; Sigmund Freud and Jung were pioneers of interpreting the unconscious mind although they differed in views. Jung pegged the collective unconscious - composed of 5 common archetypes that all humans bestow.

Neuroscience 

Art forms, like films, delve into elements of psychological disorders and ailments in the brain. For instance the movie “The Butterfly Effect,” demonstrates the psychoanalytic frameworks of brain damage and schizophrenia as the main character travels in and out of time and actively dissociates from reality. He also experiences amnesia and neuroscience as well as the brain is a big constituent of the film and is central to resolving the developing dilemma in the film. 

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“The Butterfly Effect”

Drugs such as LCD cause hallucinogenic effects that impact the composition of the brain. Researchers wanted to explore the effects of drugs further in the 50s through the 70s. Huxley glamorized the recreational use of psychedelic drugs. LSD is known to mess with the signaling in the brain. Now, neural imaging further depicts the alterations LSD is able to induce on its consumer. Artists are said to illustrate their vivid hallucinations when on LSD.

Neurons

The lecture material most influenced my understanding of this week’s topic the most.

Sources (8 Total): 

5 Sources + 3 Images 

Canvas. (n.d.). Lecture Ii. Neuroscience and Art part 2 Unconscious Mind/Dreams. Retrieved May 13, 2022.

Editors, B. D. (2017). Neuroscience. biology dictionary. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://biologydictionary.net/neuroscience/.

Frontiers. (2019). New Theory Says Only Brain Activity Involving ‘L5p Neurons’ Enters Conscious Awareness. SciTechDaily. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://scitechdaily.com/new-theory-says-only-brain-activity-involving-l5p-neurons-enters-conscious-awareness/.

Landau, E. (2012, September 15). What the brain draws from: Art and neuroscience. CNN. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://www.cnn.com/2012/09/15/health/art-brain-mind/index.html

Pepperell, R. (2011, August 17). Connecting art and The brain: An artist's perspective on visual indeterminacy. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fnhum.2011.00084/full

prime video. (n.d.). The Butterfly Effect. Amazon.com. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://www.amazon.com/butterfly-effect-dvd-Italian/dp/B00LJEN968.

Radioplus Experts. (n.d.). Psychological disorders in movies a beautiful mind and the butterfly effect - free essay example. Edubirdie. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://edubirdie.com/examples/psychological-disorders-in-movies-a-beautiful-mind-and-the-butterfly-effect/

Youtube.com. (2012). Neuroscience pt3. Neuroscience and Art part 3. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5EX75xoBJ0&t=1s.

Event 2 Blog Post: BioArts Talks @CBIS

I attended the virtual BioArts event hosted by Mary Maggic; topics of identity and its ties to industrial capitalism, as well as the body and gender to political realms were discussed in relation to environmental toxicity. Mary further described the heteronormative and patriarchal structures in which we are born into that attribute to these factors in BioArt. As a result of this, Mary termed the phrase “Estroworld” which represents the relationship we sustain with hormones based on the pharmaceutical industry and agriculture to which we are, for the most part, subjected to. In addition, the idea of “open source estrogen” revolves around the premise that hormone molecules are constantly among us, ready to be mutated and hacked. 

According to Mary, there is a 3 step process to living in a growing queer world:

1. Toxicities - Living in an alien landscape colonized by hormones.

2. Semiosis - You are already hormones with these toxics in you.

3. Subjectivities - Do you want to be more alien than you already are?

Our goal is step 3. Relative to this, plastic in this day-and-age has become nature and we must be able to acknowledge this in order to progress.

These “toxicities” are derived from the petrochemical industry, pharmaceutical industry, and agricultural industry. In Mary’s research estrogen is a major component as it is highly conserved and serves as a receptor in organisms. She goes deeper into this through hormone hacking and biohacking; Mary contrived yeast biosensors where upon contact with xeno estrogens they turn yellow (which serves as a detection method). Extraction is done, as is column chromatography, where hormones are separated based on their chemical properties.

"Toxic Xeno Bodies"

Moreover, Mary connects elements of spirituality and the gender binary to the larger undertones of their research. In Mary’s Mandala projection, she describes a river used as a highway that connects to a spiritual kingdom in the north and south. This reference broadly relates to our polluted landscapes; the mandala is composed of trash to exemplify its connotational meaning: in this manner, order is created out of chaos. The artwork in its essence sustains queer elements and displays the entanglement of bodies as well. Mary views bodies as always queering and glitching through life. 

"Mandala Projection"

Sources (6 Total):

(1 Screenshot + 2 Images from Event + 3 Sources) 

Bodies. (2019, August 3). Toxicity is never consensual: Mary Maggic on Open source hormones. Logic Magazine. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from   https://logicmag.io/bodies/mary-maggic-on-open-source-hormones/

Maggic, M. (2022). Mandala Projection. BioArts Talks @CBIS . Zoom. Retrieved May 13, 2022.

Maggic, M. (2022). Toxic Xeno Bodies. BioArts Talks @CBIS. Zoom. Retrieved May 13, 2022.

Maggic, M. (n.d.). Estroworld Now. Mary Maggic Official. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://maggic.ooo/Estroworld-   Now#:~:text=join%20the%20colonization%20today,molecular%20residues%20are%20simply%20i    nescapable.

Media Alliance Inc. (2022, April 22). We’re All Living in the Estroworld. The Sanctuary For Independent Media. Retrieved May 13, 2022, from https://www.mediasanctuary.org/event/were-all-living-in-the-estroworld/ 

Attendance Screenshot: