Week 8 Nanotech and Art

Shrinking molecules to the size of nano-particles gives rise to new properties
In this picture, quantum dots have different colors at different sizes under UV light

This week’s reading brings up the use of nanotechnology, which then begins to parallel biotechnology in the issues that may arise in society. Awareness of nanotechnology in everyday products raise the same ethical questions that genetic modification in organisms do. The uncertainty of the possible dangers of nanotechnology indisputably possess some level of threat, yet the possibilities provide so much hope and opportunity for humankind. By manipulating the size of different materials, physical properties can be changed, which creates endless avenues to explore what the different outcomes may be.

Roman use of nano-particles to  create the different perceptions of gold

Once again, technological advances seem to give new medium for artists, with the possibility of manipulating the self-assembly of DNA and other nanoparticles. This is also not new, as in history, objects such as the Lycurgus cup and stained glass are both examples of the physical appeal of nanoparticles. However, it remains to be seen what possible uses nanoparticles may have in art, and what ethical concerns may arise alongside new practices.

Beautiful patterns in nature arise as a result of nanoparticles as seen in this butterfly wing

 Regarding the use of nanotechnology in art, it seems amazing that natural processes have created such beautiful structures that also have practical uses for life. In a sense, it raises the chicken and the egg question: have humans evolved to recognize beauty in products of self-assembly and organization, or have the natural products just evolved over time, with physical appeal playing a role in selection? Similar questions arise, not just with patterns in structures from nanoparticles, but also from other subjects that we have studied such as the golden ratio.  It is an interesting question how “coincidences” in nature appear so often, and I wonder if art and the structure of human pattern development help us to recognize and appreciate these “coincidences” much more often.

Sources:

Burg, Stephanie L, and Andrew J Parnell. “Self-Assembling Structural Colour in Nature.” Journal of Physics: Condensed Matter, vol. 30, no. 41, 2018, p. 413001., doi:10.1088/1361-648x/aadc95.

Moran, Barbara. “Nanotechnology.” Research What Are Quantum Dots Comments, www.bu.edu/research/articles/quantum-dots-breast-cancer-tumors/.

Online, UC. “Nanotech Jim pt4.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHCuZetAIhk.

Online, UC. “Nanotech Jim pt5.” YouTube, YouTube, 21 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=4OWc8nmHJmY.

“This 1,600-Year-Old Goblet Shows That the Romans Were Nanotechnology Pioneers.” Smithsonian.com, Smithsonian Institution, 1 Sept. 2013, www.smithsonianmag.com/history/this-1600-year-old-goblet-shows-that-the-romans-were-nanotechnology-pioneers-787224/.

Event 2: Sound and Science Symposium

A close up look at the wiring and setup
of the kitchen layout

Dillon explaining his process
of discovery

My second event was Dillon Bastan’s electroacoustic instrument performance/sculpture as part of the Sound and Science Symposium. Of all the units we have covered so far, his performance mostly reflected robotics in art, and was interesting as it focused on sound rather than on visuals like most of the examples of art we see in the lectures.

I would recommend this event, because as I arrived early, it gave me a great opportunity to talk with Dillon and receive more insight into his art. His understanding of coding and electrical engineering was self-developed to build the foundation for his art projects, which I found amazing, because this perspective seems slightly unconventional in music. By talking to Dillon, I feel as though gained much more insight into ones’ motivations to incorporate the world of science into the world of art. He was also motivated by the natural sounds that would go on in the kitchen, hoping to place emphasis on this as he amplified the sounds and delivered them to the audience in his performance: simply making a salad and a smoothie, letting the kitchen appliances and tools speak for themselves. This process of discovering patterns of sound in daily life remind me of the processes embodied in the scientific method.

Proof of attendance as Dillon
was setting up the appliances

The more I experience in this class, the more it seems to me as though understanding is rooted in science, while expression is rooted in art. The processes and mechanisms used in art represents the science, the technology. Conveying a message and being able to share perspective is art. As I continue to learn and visit events, I begin to apply this understanding to my own life, wondering if an understanding of art can contribute to teaching math in my future. Will my understanding of concepts be used in creating a bigger picture, delivering the material in a natural and cohesive manner that incorporates it as a part of a students' daily life?

Week 7: Neuroscience and Art

The brain separated into its different regions

The incorporation of art and neuroscience seems different from the other topics we covered in class. Different from robotics, math, and MedTech; neuroscience seems to be a naturally beautiful, rather than a component of science being used for art. The neural networks, LSD, cocaine seemed to play purposes ingrained in art, rather than being repurposed for the sake of art. I found it interesting how Ramon y Cajal said only artists are attracted to science, and the left brain and right brain were joined together. Once again, it is drawn back to the incorporation of the two cultures and how art and science are naturally ingrained in one another. 

A brain network visualized by computers

Tripping on LSD can be beautiful in one's mind
allowing them to view the world differently

              Regarding the different forms of psychoanalysis, I find it interesting how Young’s view relates to epigenetics. In a class I took for Biotechnology in Society, we studied epigenetics, which showed how people had certain genetic code at birth, but only regulation was changed throughout life. This is like the existence of a birth layer of unconsciousness, where the dreams and symbols change over time.  To me I find it interesting how from human birth, we can have some parts of our lives predetermined. This is relevant in daily life, as people follow horoscopes, and believe in concepts that predetermine our personalities based on time of birth or other concepts.

Another aspect that is important is the incorporation of LSD and cocaine into art. The description of LSD given as seeing the world in a different perspective makes it seem indicative of what art does; art lets people observe a different perspective of the world, and come up with their own understanding. By enabling a different state of mind, it seems possible for people to come up with a new incorporation of art.

Sources:

Cohen, Mark Ph.D. (2012, May 12). Neuroscience.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=255&v=eDq8uTROeXU. /

Online, UC. “Neuroscience-pt2.Mov.” YouTube, YouTube, 17 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFv4owX3MZo.

Online, UC. “Neuroscience-pt2.Mov.” YouTube, YouTube, 17 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=TFv4owX3MZo.

Online, UC. “Neuroscience pt3.” YouTube, YouTube, 16 May 2012, www.youtube.com/watch?v=E5EX75xoBJ0.

Jung, Carl Gustav. "The spiritual problem of modern man." Modern man in search of a soul (1928): 196-220.

Week 6: Biotech and Art

I believe that life can be a valid expressive medium, open many different avenues for conversations regarding different parts of society. From the first video lecture, I found Eduardo Katz very interesting because of the different results that came from using the GFP bunny as artworks, bringing up conversation around appreciation of life, and social normalcy. 

Eduardo Katz GFP Bunny

This also brings up dialogue between disciplines as Professor Vesna mentioned. Inherent in using transgenics, mutilations, recombinance,  and selective breeding are the implications that these techniques not only have a practical scientific use, but serve to tell people something much more about their place in society, amongst other species that are composed of the same building blocks. All life follows the same central dogma to survive and grow, so the way humans interact with other life forms speaks volumes about current values.

Central to all life, the central dogma
that governs genetics and biotech in a sense

Opposition that may exist to use of genetics
(This is in context of GMOs)

 To me, artistic media and technologies ­­ becomes more valuable when they provide opportunities for reflection and connection. The ethical debate on how these technologies should be used shall persist forever; people debate on whether it is right, whether it is natural, whether animals have rights or not. The main argument I foresee against artists is that their work brings less tangible value to society than actual scientific work, yet this is something I disagree with. Work that brings harm for no apparent reason should clearly be opposed, yet art provides valuable conversation. The only limitations that should be apparent are when boundaries begin to be crossed; respect for other humans and those that bring value into our lives should be maintained. Without that sense of respect, or understanding of other species, it seems possible to lose what makes humans humane.

Sources:

“Central Dogma: an Integration of Science and Art.” GrowNextGen, 5 Jan. 2018, grownextgen.org/curriculum/central-dogma. “March Photo of the Month: GMO Protest, Sacramento, CA 2003.” Climate Connections, 5 Feb. 2015, climate-connections.org/2012/03/31/march-photo-of-the-month-gmo-protest-sacramento-ca-2003/. Philipkoski, Kristen. “RIP: Alba, the Glowing Bunny.” Wired, Conde Nast, 4 June 2017, www.wired.com/2002/08/rip-alba-the-glowing-bunny/. Online, UC. “5 Bioart pt1 1280x720.” YouTube, YouTube, 18 Sept. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg. Kelty, Christopher M. "Outlaw, hackers, victorian amateurs: diagnosing public participation in the life sciences today." Journal of Science Communication 9.1 (2010): C03. “Central Dogma: an Integration of Science and Art.” GrowNextGen, 5 Jan. 2018, grownextgen.org/curriculum/central-dogma. “March Photo of the Month: GMO Protest, Sacramento, CA 2003.” Climate Connections, 5 Feb. 2015, climate-connections.org/2012/03/31/march-photo-of-the-month-gmo-protest-sacramento-ca-2003/. Online, UC. “5 Bioart pt1 1280x720.” YouTube, YouTube, 18 Sept. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaThVnA1kyg.