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Event 3: LASER: De-colonizing AI

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     In a rapidly advancing technological landscape, artists have a unique position to critically examine and challenge the nature of artificial intelligence (AI). I had the pleasure of attending this event, which explores the intersection of AI, art, and social equity, with a particular focus on the impact of AI on marginalized communities. I believe that by addressing questions of access, agency, and bias within the art ecosystem, this event sought to recenter cosmologies that have been historically marginalized or erased through processes of colonization.  Figure 1. A Result of Bias in Dataset      What especially stood out to me during the event was their acknowledgment that AI technologies, while powerful and transformative, can perpetuate bias and marginalize certain social groups, including people of color, immigrants, and women. What I thought was so important about this event was the engagement in critical dialogue, in which artists are uniqu...

Week 9: Space & Art

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       This week was another fascinating week of learning about space art, referring to artistic expression that strives to depict the wonders of the Universe. Space research unravels the mysteries of the Universe, shedding light on celestial bodies, cosmic phenomena, and the fundamental laws of physics. Conversely, artists channel these scientific discoveries into their creative endeavors, infusing their work with a sense of wonder and cosmic exploration. Figure 1. Waking Wanderer by Lucy West      One way in which space research influences art is through the concept of coded utopia. Artists like Brian Holmes delve into the intersections of science, technology, and society to examine the hidden structures and power dynamics that shape our world. By incorporating the imagery and symbolism of space research, they depict the underlying narratives that dominate our perception of reality. Figure 1. A Universe by Alexander Calder      Mo...

Week 8: NanoTech & Art

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This week, I learned how nanotechnology transcended the boundaries of science and delved into the realm of art. Through manipulating matter at the nanoscale, artists now have an arsenal of tools and materials that defy conventional artistic norms. Figure 1.  MORPHONANO It is truly fascinating how by integrating nanomaterials into their creations, artists can craft visually captivating artworks that manipulate light, color, and texture in distinctive ways. I believe this fusion of science and aesthetics will open up new dimensions of artistic exploration. Figure 2. Eye of Science One remarkable outcome of nanotechnology and art is the emergence of nanoart, in which artists utilize technologies such as electron microscopes to capture and manipulate images at the nanoscale, revealing intricate structures and textures that are scientifically profound and artistically captivating. Figure 3. the science of small Beyond the artistic possibilities, I believe the intersection of nanotechnol...

Event 2: Leonardo Da Vinci + Gravity

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       Leonardo da Vinci continues to captivate us with his multifaceted genius as he delved into the mysteries of the natural world, including the realms of gravity and human perception. In this week’s event, we delved into the intriguing insight that Leonardo accurately estimated the gravitational constant without the aid of advanced mathematics. Figure 1.  Codex Leicester      One notable concept from da Vinci's studies is the "pyramidal law". This principle reveals the pyramidal nature of the power exerted by the arms of a balance. This observation highlights da Vinci's astute understanding of geometric relationships and the dynamic interplay of forces. Figure 2. Great Pyramid      In addition, da Vinci explored the intricacies of centers of gravity. In the Madrid Codex 11, 66r, he explains the experimental determination of the accidental center of gravity. These meticulous observations showcase da Vinci's curiosity and dedicati...

Week 7: Neuroscience & Art

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       This week showed me that neuroscience offers valuable insights into this intriguing relationship between art and the brain, exploring the cognitive and emotional processes underlying our artistic experiences. It is incredible how the advancement in real-time brain imaging has revolutionized our understanding of the brain's response to art. Specifically, Christopher deCharms' TED Talk does a great job highlighting the ability to observe brain activity as we engage with art, providing a window into the neurological mechanisms at play. Figure 1.  Brainbow      I believe that the concept of neuroculture emphasizes the complexities between neuroscience and culture, shaping our interpretations and emotional responses to art. Specifically, it was interesting reading Howard and E. Gardner's cognitive approach in "Art, Mind, and Brain," in which they explore the intricate cognitive processes underlying creativity and artistic expression. By examinin...

Week 6: BioTech & Art

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     The lesson this week showed me how biotechnology art challenges our traditional perceptions of art and science and encourages us to further explore the possibilities of combining the two fields. It was interesting to explore how artists have been utilizing biotechnology in their work, using living organisms as their medium, and exploring the boundaries between what is considered art and what is considered life. Figure 1.  Eduardo Kac "Alba"      One notable artist is Eduardo Kac, who created GFP Bunny, a living, genetically modified rabbit that glows green under blue light. His work is a form of bio-art, using living organisms as its medium. It is fascinating how it not only blurs the line between art and science but also challenges our conventional classification of life.  Figure 2.   Marta de Menezes "Immortality for Two" Another artist who has utilized biotechnology in her work is Marta De Menezes, who created a series of artwork...

EVENT 1: Cosmological Events #2

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     Recently, I had the pleasure of attending the Cosmological Elements art exhibit, and it was an incredibly eye-opening experience. As a DESMA9 student studying the integration of math and art, robotics and art, and medicine and art, I was excited to see how artists were using these concepts to create thought-provoking and visually stunning pieces. Figure 1.  Exobiotanica by Makoto Azuma      I was immediately struck by the sheer creativity and ingenuity in the exhibit. A piece I found very beautiful was Exobiotanica, by Makoto Azuma, in which they launched a plant into space, into an unknown territory outside of Earth. From large-scale projects to intricate pieces, every work served a testament to the power of art to explore complex spaces and society. Another impressive piece was the Tapestry in Search of Terrestrial Intelligence that used output of frequency and data to create visualizations on nano level. It was a stunning glitchy artwork; an ex...