Extra Credit: Birch Aquarium Family Day

 



Recently I had the great opportunity to attend the San Diego Birch Aquarium's family day. This was a great event to attend with family members in order to expose young kids in marine science and the ocean's ecosystem. If the children are too young to go out and snorkel, visiting aquariums are a great way to engage kids with the ocean. Each exhibit that inhabited creatures was designed to resemble their native habitats. The Birch Aquarium exhibit designers did a great job resembling the creature's native habitats.

 

The event consisted of self-guided tours around the aquarium and small interactive events in their tide pool area. When walking around the kids have the ability to look at the creatures in several different exhibits. It was obvious to see how the children reacted towards the colorful animals versus the dark ones. They are attracted by colorful bright tropical fish.  

The bright exhibits resembled tropical climates and the darker were usually connected to Mediterranean climates or open sea. It is very important to keep the exhibits as closely to the organism’s natural habitat. This will let the organism feel in a comfortable location and would react the same way it would in the wild. This includes having the right temperature, terrain, and salinity level. Some of the creatures are born in the aquarium but there are also some that were placed in certain exhibits for recovery.

At the Birch Aquarium there is a sea turtle that will no longer be able to survive in the wild. It was attacked by a shark and is missing a back flipper and the other back flipper is severely damaged. For this reason, the sea turtle floats in an improper way but can still survive at this aquarium since they are fed.

In class we have learned about nanotechnology, at the birch aquarium there was an exhibit that talked all about nanotechnology and how it is being used to clean salt water. The idea was to use cleaning nanoparticles to remove the salt and turn it in to freshwater.

This aquarium is not nationally known, however, it is definitely a place to come and enjoy  a fun day with the family. I am glad I was able to bring mine because I feel it was a great way to show my family how beautiful the ocean is and the research I get to work with.

Extra Credit: Hoover High School Showcase at Museum of Contemporary

This week I attended an art showcase created by high school students from Hoover High School. It was a combination of a couple courses: ceramics, music, painting, and psychology. Students were asked to create an art piece expressing a subject learned in class and to make it their own. There were people showing their handmade musical instruments, using recycled material, showing portraits, and a girl was performing her art piece the entire night. This entire showcase showed how art, creativity, and a bit of thought, can be expressed in many ways.

When I first entered this gallery, I was amazed to see so many young faces. As we have learned in class, there are less young art enthusiasts. Seeing so many students interested in showing off their art piece to their parents was fascinating. I do understand this was a class project but after hearing the excitement in their conversations, it was obvious this meant a lot for them. 

Hoover high school is an inner city school located in a low-income community in San Diego. Students that attend this institution often do not get exposed to art events like these. Exposing art students is important and often triggers staff members like Mr. Moya and Mr. Hieu to push for events like these.

 

Throughout the gallery art pieces were hanging from the ceiling, being performed, on the wall, and there were structures created from recycled materials. Each piece unique in its own way. I was amazed at the performance from one of the student artists. During the entire time she was performing her piece, "What has the fashion media done to you?" She never broke character and expressed her emotions throughout the night. Like we have learned, art comes in different shapes, methods, and unique styles.

A section that confused me was called "How does propaganda get to you?" There were pictures taken of close-up objects. I did not understand what was the propaganda behind the images but I definitely felt interested by the pictures. With my midterm invention I probably would have been able to understand more. 

This gallery was a great experience definitely helped me see that high school students can make amazing art that makes you think. Every piece had me wondering what was the inspiration and time to create. I encourage people to attend galleries like these and support inner city schools.

Event #3: San Diego Ruben H. Fleet Science Center

For my third event, I attended the Ruben H. Fleet Science Center located in San Diego's Balboa Park. This science center is an artistic masterpiece connecting science and math in an educational space. At this location there were several exhibits showing illusions, space projects, physics, robotics and much more. Many of the exhibits were meant to educate all ages and some were easy to understand. Combining art, math, and science is an attractive way to display the features and mechanisms behind each exhibit.
 

Although the majority of exhibits were meant for all ages, there was a small room along the top floor dedicated to younger children. The picture above shows myself at the children's section, which at first, it seems like a common play place. However, there were activities meant to challenge the child’s mind via science subjects. Physics played a major role in these activities. There were small tables where kids could build things and destroy them. These activities involved parents and their children in a fun science learning environment.  

Other exhibits, as seen in the picture above, were a challenge to understand. Using mirrors and reflections this exhibit displaced a hallucination of a spring. When I first saw this exhibit, my first reaction was to immediately put my hand in there. I kept searching for the spring but couldn’t find it.  By using light and mirrors, the image of a spring appears, where nothing is physically located. This is a very entertaining and mind puzzling exhibit to interact with and mind puzzling . 

The proper use of art is what makes this hallucination display exciting. Properly placing the right mirrors and shining the right light, resembles an artistic illusion. An artistic illusion that in a way plays with your mind. As we have learned in lecture the mind and brain can react in different ways based on experiences. This exhibit definitely gave me an unexpected experience.  My body knew I was going to touch a spring, but nothing was there.  This is how experiences send signals to the brain that trigger different physical sensations influencing our mental state. I was in a mental state of disbelief, and continuously kept trying to touch something that was not there.

Aside from the children’s section and hallucinating exhibits, the Ruben H. Fleet provides a wide variety of educational science games/exhibits. There is a NASA program that students can take part in by going through a space mission and completing the tasks real astronauts would perform. While I was there, they were also working on a new exhibit involving circus games. I was not sure of the purpose but it looked like they were attempting to connect circus games and science, there as a basketball toss game using beach balls and air propulsion. The San Diego Ruben H. Fleet Science Museum is a really entertaining and educational science museum that families should visit and check out.

Week 9: Space + Art

            Astronomy is the study of space and the physical universe as a whole. It is also one of the oldest science subjects dating back to the Babylonians. With the advancements of technology we have been able to travel to the moon, create satellites and explore beyond the common telescope.

          
            Astronomy dates back to many centuries. Civilizations like Babylonia surrounded their culture based on myths and legends. It is fascination to know that these myths were passed on to the Greeks and the modern world we live in today (Jarus, 2013). I am amazed at the foundations of these mystical creatures and how curious mankind has become that we have created space exploration programs.

            The American space program has evolved to be one of the best in the world. From the first satellites to putting a man on the moon, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been worldly recognized as leaders in space innovations (CBS News, 2013). I find it amazing how technologically advanced our space program has become. I admire the designs that go into making the space shuttles, each space shuttle is an artistic masterpiece. They are powerful machines that need to support space dust and need to be aerodynamic due to their travel at high speeds (Wall, 2011).

            Space travel has been the foundation of some entertaining science fiction television shows. From cartoons to realistic shows like Star Trek, traveling to space is portrayed as an exciting adventure. Movies like E.T. and Men in Black depict extraterrestrial activity in ways that ignite curiosity. One depicts a calm friendly creature, while the other makes us wonder if aliens really live among us.  Although, these shows often make space ships look very fancy, with amazing gadgets and shiny stuff. I believe television shows do not focus enough on the risks that our astronauts take.

            The astronauts that go on these missions have families and loved ones. Although astronauts are aware of the risks that are taken when traveling in space, it is very sad to hear about stories like the Challenger, and Columbia. The Challenger was a catastrophic explosion that revolutionized the NASA of today (Howell, 2012). I have faith that the United States Space program is slowly going to advance into a better and safer era. With the amazing advancement technology we have today, I would not be surprised to know that we will soon be taking tours of space. 

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Work Cited

“10 leading space programs around the world.” Canadian Press, AssociatePress. CBS News. 4 Nov. 2013. Web. 27 May. 2015.

Clayton, James. “How the movies are making space fun again.” Den Of Geek. DISQUS. 1 Aug. 2014. Web. 27 May. 2015.

Howell, Elizabeth. “Challenger: Shuttle Disaster That Changed NASA.” Space.Com. Purch. 16. Oct. 2012. Web. 27 May. 2015.

Jarus, Owen. “Ancient Babylon: Center of Mesopotamia Civilization.” Live Science. Purch. 12 Apr. 2013. Web. 27 May. 2015.

Wall, Mike. “How the Space Shuttle Was Born.” Space.Com. Purch. 28 June. 2011. Web. 27 May. 2015.

Event #2: San Diego Natural History Museum

For my second event, I attended the Natural History Museum at San Diego's Balboa Park. Several exhibits resembled the outdoor natural environment. There were many detailed artistic additions to each exhibit. For example, the "Natural Night Open Sky" exhibit, displayed local animals from the San Diego Mountains. These dedicated artists resembled each detail needed to feel the sensation of being in that outdoor night forest habitat. Some fun features included hidden animals that were either small or not easily recognizable. All of the exhibits were made to be understandable and entertaining for all ages.

Several of the nature exhibits displayed the ambiguous features of the wildlife. The climate, shades from the moonlight, and most importantly the nocturnal creatures, were all taken into account. The proper used and assembly of these features is what gave the feeling of being in that environment. Although the trees were not real the texture made it seem like a real forest.

When entering the forest exhibit, it gave the emotions of entering a real dark forest.  The first reaction was to begin and observe in details all of the surroundings. This is a common reaction to have if in fact trekking through a real natural dark forest. Besides the natural exhibits, there were also statues of animals, both extinct and present, that gave the resemblance of their actual size. 

In order to artistically resemble a picture into a three-dimensional animal, the size and features of the animal needs to be taken into account. A combination of mathematics and artistic knowledge is needed for this task. Throughout the museum there were many of these three-dimensional statues resembling creatures of different periods of time. The statues are an educational method to teach the size of these creatures in their natural state. For example, the above picture resembles a California Grizzly Bear mom and her cubs. Unfortunately, they might not be as cute in the wild, but seeing these statues is a good way to learn.

In class we have learned about robotics and the way they have influenced the way we learn and live our lives. Well, in other museums these three-dimensional creatures are often moving due to a mechanical robot under the skin. These robots are purposed to show how they would move in the wild. This is often a much better way to resemble their natural state, especially if there is a prey involved. Does not matter what method is used to teach, each museum provides great knowledge.

The San Diego Natural History Museum has many exhibits that provide environmental knowledge and an interior theater for movies. I encourage everyone to visit, especially my classmates. The movies found in the theater are nature films and family oriented. After speaking with the museum staff I also found out that they do many research projects around the world. My summary of the visit only covered some of the exhibits provided by the San Diego Natural History Museum. 

Week 8: Nanotechnology + Art

I would have never thought of combining nanotechnology and art, but it is quite fascinating. In class we have discussed the evolution of technology and our dependency on it. Nanotechnology is an example of those technological advancements we might soon depend on. Nanotechnology uses matter measured in size from 1 to 100 nanometers, to alternate fabrication of extremely small products. Today nanotechnology has many uses and is commonly found in cars, electronics, products and other items. Some examples pieces of nano-art include the vases shown above and something I researched on, car paint. Besides art, nanoparticles are also found in many self-cleaning and consumer products. With the efficiency of technology, nanotechnology is revolutionizing the world we live in today.

In the video lecture, professor James Gimzewski mentions how Romans used nanotechnology in their art.  A particular vase, shown above, changes appearance according to where the light is shined. After doing some research online I found a similar token of appreciation, an electromagnetic paint used on cars called paramagnetic paint. An electric current travels through the car’s surface with applied electro-nano magnetic particles that change the car's color (Hill, 2007). The link below shows a video of this phenomena.

Paramagnetic Paint

Cleaning products with integrated nanotechnology are pioneers of a new cleaning generation. These cleaning companies are finding different methods to make the world a cleaner place (Walford, 2014). They are making clear nanotechnology film for cars, windows, and other hard surfaces. The picture on the left shows one side with and without the film. If the film is not an option, there are a variety of soaps that use nanoparticles. I find this method of cleaning fascinating, especially the nano-film. However, scientists are attempting to reduce the use of silver nanoparticles. They believe silver particles might actually be taking over the natural nanoparticle bacteria’s niche in the ecosystem (Cordis, 2013). If we can find a way to have self-cleaning products everywhere, and not harm the environment, we could help reduce water usage.

There are over 1000 products on the market that use nanotechnology. It is unfortunate to hear how nanotechnology is used in food products to make them last longer and taste natural. I am strongly against this, especially because it is taking away from the natural taste and increasing the amount of chemicals in our system. Diet supplements often have silicon nanoparticles that trick the body into feeling it is full (Cordis, 2013). According to scientist when the particles are released they also harm the environment (Layland, 2014). I consider this a negative use of nanotechnology, consumers are not aware of the chemicals going into their system.

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Work Cited

Cordis. “Investigating the environment impact of nanosilver.” Phys.org. Innovation Seeds. 22 Apr. 2013. Web. 21 May. 2015.

Davis, Amanda. “Everyday Nanotechnology.” The Institute. IEEE. 6 Dec. 2013. Web. 22 May. 2015.

Hill, Brandon. “Nissan Develops Color Changing Paint for Vehicles.” DailyTech LLC. 9 Nov. 2007. Web. 22 May. 2015.

Layland, Edie. “Nanoparticles from dietary supplement drinks are likely to reach environment, say scientists.” 18 Jun. 2014. Web. 21 May. 2015.

Walford, Lynn. “Drop the chamois cloth – nanotechnology could mean self-cleaning cars.” Car Tech. Tech Hive. 16 May. 2014. Web. 22 May. 2015.

Week 7: Neuroscience + Art

                        Consciously we are always thinking about something. What we are doing right now, tomorrow, or in the past. There is always a thought in our mind. Durkheim states that the mind and the body are two separate individuals. There are neurons in our brain that help the brain function, but our body behaves according to physical sensations. Artists have their own distinctive way to depict the human body under the influence. Nonetheless, neuroscience and the human brain are two artistic canvases.

Durkheim believed that the mind and body were two different individuals. The brain depends on the mind but the mind can exists on its own if the body dies (Kim, 2011). The brain and body are connected, but the mind can exist alone. With this being said, the body can have experiences that reflect the brain’s mental state. This can cause the body to behave in a particular way according to the physical sensations it experiences (Heil, 1998). This could be why people often blame their negative behavior on being under the influence.

            Neurochemicals are substances that react with the brain and often cause hallucinations or unwanted body behaviors. When they were legal, cocaine and LSD were very addicting drugs. These drugs change the body fluids that alternate the way the brain functions (Brogaard, 2015). Some artists have drawn what they depict is the mental state of people’s brain when they are under the influence. I think these drawings are resourceful because they can help people understand the emotional mental state of being under the influence.

Santiago Ramon y Cajal, is known as the pioneer of Neurosciences (Vesna, 2015). His artistic ability led him to become famously referenced by the hundreds of drawings illustrating the structure of brain cells (Nobel Media, 2014). His drawings depict the brain cells like a web of spiders. Till this day his artwork is used for neuroscience educational purposes. Some artists have their own method explaining the neurological body’s mental state when under the influence of illegal drugs.

When depicting the feelings of being under the influence of a drug, many artists enjoy drawing in bright colors. These vibrant colors often resemble positive energy and heightened emotions (Getty Museum, 2015). Such emotions and energy levels are associated with being under the influence. The way that the artists express being under the influence on drawings helps to understand the feelings via mental emotions. Curved lines, give the impression of dizziness and at the same time the bright colors give a sense of happiness. I find this distinct form of art to be a very talented method of expressing emotions. 

Neuroscience is a subject I would like to learn more about. I am interested in learning more about the way that the neurons work. The way artists have the ability to integrate mental emotions with the physical sensation is impressive. 

           

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Work Cited

Brogaard, Berit. “Love is like cocaine: The remarkable, terrifying neuroscience of romance.” Salon. 14 Feb. 2015. Web. 15 May. 2015.

Getty Museum. “Understanding Formal Analysis.” J.Paul Getty Trust. Getty Museum. 2015. Web. 15 May. 2015. <http://www.getty.edu/education/teachers/building_lessons/formal_analysis.html>

Heil, John. “Philosophy of Mind.” Taylor & Francis Group. London and New York. (1998): 87-105. Print. 12 May. 2015

Kim, Jaegwon. “Mind as Immaterial Substance – Descartes Dualism.” Philosophy of Mind. 3^rd ed. Boulder: Westview, 2011 31-60. Print.

"Santiago Ramón y Cajal - Biographical". Nobelprize.org. Nobel Media AB 2014. Web. 11 May. 2015. 

Vesna, Victoria. “Neuroscience-pt1.” DESMA 9. University of California. , Los Angeles. 9 Apr. 2012. Lecture. 11 May. 2015.

Week 6: BioTech + Art

Bioart uses biotechnology to alter biological matter into a living art product. Biotechnology can be used to test new cosmetic and medical products on living organisms, often mice. This is the reason why conservation groups advocate against these procedures and want restrictions on artists and scientists to prevent overuse of biotechnology. 

Bioartists manipulate genes and cells to change the organism’s appearance. They claim to not harm or kill the animal via the process by making living art (Miranda, 2013). I personally think that bioartists should not mess with the appearance of an organism. There are bioartitst that make their organisms look futuristic (Miah, 2012). Aside from physically affecting the appearance of organisms, they are also used to test cosmetic products affecting the human appearance.

The word ‘cosmetics’ is often a synonym for make up, when really according to the Federal and Drug Administration, cosmetics are ‘articles’ applied to the human body (Humane Society, 2014). Biotechnology is the use of living organisms to develop or products. Which is why before a new cosmetic or medicinal drug goes into the market, often it gets tested on small rodents like mice. Why mice? Because a mouse’s genetic pool is very similar to that of humans (Winstead, 2002).  Over 700 mouse genes have counterparts with human genes. These testing have triggered many conservationist groups to advocate against what they call animal cruelty.

Although there are people who find product testing positive, the organisms that are tested on are left to die; they can no longer function properly. This is why some major brands like Bath and Body Works have decided to not do animal testing (The Baltimore Sun, 2010). These companies in a way help with the conservation of these organisms and prevent from altering the genetic pool. On the other hand, countries like China make it mandatory for all foreign cosmetic products to be tested on animals (Humane Society, 2014).

Bioartists have a passion for making art out of living organisms, and there is a border to how far biotechnology can go. I stand in the middle of this situation; I am neither for nor against these procedures. I can say that I would not want animals to be abused and there should be restrictions, but yet again I would not like to put on a lotion that would harm my body.

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Work Cited

Baltimore Sun, “Alternatives to animal testing gaining ground.” Baltimore Sun. McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. 27 Aug. 2010. Web. 7 May. 2015.

Humane Society. “Fact Sheet: Cosmetic Testing.” The Human Society of the United States. 13 Mar. 2014. Web. 8 May. 2015.

Miah, Andy. “Bioart is Changing the World.” HuffPost Arts and Culture. Huffington Post. 7 Feb. 2012. Web. 8 May. 2015.

Miranda, Carolina A. “Weird Science: Biotechnology as Art Form.” ArtNews. Disqus. 18 Mar. 2013. Web. 7 May. 2015.

Winstead, Edward R. “Humans and Mice Together at Last: Scientists compare mouse chromosomes 16 to the human genome.” Genome News Network. J.Craig Venter Institute. 13 May. 2002. Web. 7 May. 2015.