vanessacDESMA9

Scanning Tunneling Microscopy Nanotechnology is a new science that provides graphically intense visualizations (Gimzewski). It is a growing field; the combination of nanotechnology and art largely impacts the field of research. Since the twenty-first century is known for “decoding of the genome, fears of distributed terrorist cells and nanotechnology as the big promise of total control of matter from the atom all the way up living systems”, it is important to analyze biology at the atomic level (Gimzewski). Richard Feynman was the first to suggest atom manipulation (Pt1). The scanning tunneling microscope is an important invention since it helps create new effects, such as new forms of coloring. The microscope feels the surface and maps atom positions, creating and breaking partial chemical bonds (Pt2).  This manipulation of atoms is a work of art itself. To be able to form chemical bonds anytime and in any position allow scientists to create various types of molecules. In ...

Brain functions Neuroscience is the study of the brain, the control center of the human body. Neuroscience encompasses the mind, emotions and memory. For example, fear is the most basic emotion and occurs when there is danger. We react to fear by muscles tensing, heart beating faster, and hormones flowing (Theamygdaloids). Art enhances our perception of the brain and assists in research to further understand brain functions through visualization. Franz Joseph Gall discovered that different parts of the brain have different functions (Uconlineprogram). Furthermore, according to Mark Cohen, when a part of the brain is used more often, the area gets bigger and thus, bumps form (Ucdesma). This is known as brain mapping since different sections of the brain can be identified through bump sizes. Brain mapping uses artistic skills to depict all sections of the brain for scientists to model after. Neuroscience heavily relies on art for brain visualization. Brain Mapping Spirit...

BioArt Bioart is art at a cellular or tissue level. It’s a sensitive area because there are many ethical issues. In Ellen Levy’s essay, the issue of property and morality are discussed. The essay states “biotechnology is a place where political, economic, legal, and scientific interests meet, and artists can promote discussion about these issues” (Levy). Bioart enhances scientific and artistic research to improve life for humans; however, organisms may suffer in return.  Modified E.coli Joe Davis worked on a project to create an infogene, a gene that could be translated into something meaningful by machinery. His goal was to genetically modify a gene and send it to space with a message. He decided to modify E.coli and add a message of a micro Venus, a Y superimposed with a I shaped symbol, to represent females in his message since he realized there are more male symbols, and thus, wanted to balance the gender inequality (Uconlineprogam pt1). This project is an exa...

My second event was at Christina Yglesias’s art show u still up ?, which featured conversations with strangers. Christina wanted to experiment whether people would want to talk to strangers.  She had put up an advertisement asking for a nonromantic pen-pal on Craigslist and over a period of months, texted strangers herself (Christina). Her art show showcased four of her conversations by printed text and video. Printed Text Messages Christina's Art Show Flyer Christina’s video installations were live action of her conversations with the strangers, where she casted actors and actresses to play the role of herself and the people she had been texting. She never met the people, but the actors and actresses personalities and features are based on the information they have given her through text messages and her imagination. A video of the conversation between Christina and a stranger The point of Christina’s project was to experiment with the idea of intimacy and...

My project idea is based on making eye care more accessible to the public: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B9zhMQFJ18q-c3hfUzJyWUZyUDg/view?usp=sharing