Week 9: Space + Art
During this week's lecture, Professor Vesna highlights the idea that all of what we have learned about in class over the quarter are all connected to one another and all involved in human space exploration. Vesna explained how nanotechnology, math, robots, etc., are all utilized in making meaning out of the cosmic ocean that is our sky and solar system. From the beginning of time, human beings have been curious and interested in the sky. For instance, our planets are named by ancient astronomers who looked at the planets and named them after roman deities.
Furthermore, the short film Powers of Ten relays the idea that human beings and earth are nothing but a speck in the perspective of galaxies and the universe. This idea that we are nothing but a speck floating in the vast universe is eye-opening and almost difficult to comprehend. The film offers an interesting perspective that makes one painfully aware of the idea of our scientific makeup -- just atoms, cells of life in the universe.
From the very beginning with the names of the planets as an example, we can see that humans have always been interested in space. In relation to space and art, it is not difficult to imagine the inspiration that humans have had from our sky. Humans are expressive beings who have created a multitude of projects in relation to space such as art, movies, books, television shows, songs, etc.. Additionally, because we know less about space than any other area in our world, this gives artists even more creativity and wonder in their works (International Association of Astronomical Artists).
2001: a space odyssey is a prime example of artists' capabilities to imagine space while also involving a 'supercomputer' technology that is an essential part of the storyline. This movie along with many others such as Star Wars, The Jetsons, Star Trek, etc., captures much of the human intelligence and creations that we have learned in this class with regards to technology and creativity (Vesna, Space PT6). Overall this week, it was nice to see every piece of what we have learned over the quarter be puzzled together into the wonder that is space. Space and the curiosity to seek it, have definitely influenced some very amazing pieces of art. I am looking forward to discovering more about space in my life time and seeing how artists continue to be inspired by it.
Ashley, Callum. How the Planets Got Their Names. 17 June 2019, https://medium.com/@mucaluu/how-the-planets-got-their-names-ebbf9a23ed79.
Eames, Charles. “Powers of Ten™ (1977).” YouTube, 26 Aug. 2010, https://youtu.be/0fKBhvDjuy0.
“Space.” The Universe Cosmos Galaxies Space Black Holes Earth Planets Moon Stars Sun Solar System, https://www.basicknowledge101.com/subjects/space.html.
Vesna, Victoria. “Space Intro.” YouTube, 26 Mar. 2012, https://youtu.be/zzN08A6UBoo.
Vesna, Victoria. “Space PT6.” YouTube, 30 May 2012, https://youtu.be/VYmOtFjIj0M.
Vesna, Victoria. “8 Space Intro 1280x720.” YouTube, 29 July 2013, https://youtu.be/2dPAmpBiVHY.
“What Is Space Art?” International Association of Astronomical Artists, https://iaaa.org/what-is-space-art/.
“2001: A Space Odyssey.” IMDb, IMDb.com, 24 June 1970, https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0062622/.
Hello Justine, to begin with you had an interesting post that had a lot of relevant information. I found it extremely mind blowing that everything that has led to this moment since day one of learning in this course can all be related and embedded into the topic of space. While we understand very little, it feels as if we know so much but in related that isn't the case. It is wonderful knowing what encompasses such as the different factors that are involved working together to create this concept of space but of course there is still so much more that we can understand. The examples you used such as the 2001 space odyssey and short film "Powers of Ten" truly make you realize some facts about us and the world. Not only that they also enforced my knowledge and thinking of the week's topic but also the overall class.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a very interesting point that you brought up how little we know about space in comparison to Earth. It's very true and this fact is one of the driving factors as to why artists play such a vital role in discovering other universes and planets in space. Artists are not confined to any boundaries with their work because their sole purpose and goal is to be creative and imaginative. Thank you for sharing your post, I enjoyed reading it!
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