Julia_Berman DESMA 9 Extra Credit Event 5 Post: UCLA 132nd Faculty Research Lecture “Traveling Back in Time to the Birth of Galaxies”

Event 5 Post: UCLA 132nd Faculty Research Lecture “Traveling Back in Time to the Birth of Galaxies”

Screenshot of Email Confirmation of Virtual Event. Personal photograph.

I attended the UCLA 132nd Faculty Research Lecture “Traveling Back in Time to the Birth of Galaxies” on May 17th, 2022. This lecture featured Alice Shapley, professor of Astronomy at UCLA, who presented artistic illustrations and scientific data while taking viewers on a journey through the timeline of the universe. Shapley discussed how galaxies evolve and develop, giving an illustration from known data pertaining to galaxies in outer space (shown below). 

https://uclaspecialevents.ucla.edu/facultyresearchlecture132

“How do galaxies grow?” Reference: screenshot from https://uclaspecialevents.ucla.edu/facultyresearchlecture132, 16:30.

Shapley continued her presentation by including an artistic image drawn from both scientific and technical data, as well as creative illustration. Shapley discussed the “Big Bang,” which can be seen as the prevailing theory for the “birth of the Universe,” in which the first atoms and molecules of matter formed. Shapley discussed redshift, a phenomenon in which light from galaxies further away appears redder with a longer wavelength and lower frequency due to the fact that the Universe is expanding (i.e., galaxies are moving further apart from each other) (Alice Shapley 1). This magnificent cosmic timeline is illustrated below.

“The Cosmic Timeline.” Reference: screenshot from https://uclaspecialevents.ucla.edu/facultyresearchlecture132, 25:04.

Throughout the lecture, Shapley illustrated how telescopes are a marvel of modern technology and have enabled researchers to visualize phenomena which are virtually invisible to the naked eye. One example of such telescopes is the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), shown below. The JWST has captured images of planets, stars, and galaxies; valuable data which help scientists understand the timeline of the universe. The images are also quite beautiful from an artistic standpoint, as well. I really enjoyed being able to attend the UCLA 132nd Faculty Research Lecture entitled “Traveling Back in Time to the Birth of Galaxies”

“Looking Ahead….” Reference: screenshot from https://uclaspecialevents.ucla.edu/facultyresearchlecture132, 40:20.

Works Cited

Dunbar, Brian. NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2022, 

https://www.nasa.gov/. 

Dunbar, Brian, and NASA. “Webb's Launch GSFC/NASA.” NASA, James Webb Telescope: 

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) Goddard Space Flight Center, 2022, https://www.jwst.nasa.gov/. 

Hogan, Jenny. “Journey to the birth of the Universe.” Nature vol. 443,7108 (2006): 128-9. 

doi:10.1038/443128a

Prasad, Binod et al. “Exploration of space to achieve scientific breakthroughs.” Biotechnology 

advances vol. 43 (2020): 107572. doi:10.1016/j.biotechadv.2020.107572

Screenshot of Email Confirmation of Virtual Event. 28 April 2022. 

Shapley, Alice, director. University of California, Los Angeles 132nd Faculty Research Lecture: 

"Traveling Back in Time to the Birth of Galaxies". UCLA Special Events: UCLA 132nd Faculty Research Lecture: "Traveling Back in Time to the Birth of Galaxies", UCLA Special Events, 17 May 2022, https://uclaspecialevents.ucla.edu/facultyresearchlecture132. Accessed 28 May 2022. 

Shapley, Alice. “How Do Galaxies Grow? (16:30).” University of California, Los Angeles 

(UCLA) Special Events: 132nd Faculty Research Lecture: "Traveling Back in Time to the Birth of Galaxies, UCLA Special Events, Los Angeles, CA (Virtual Event), 17 May 2022, https://uclaspecialevents.ucla.edu/facultyresearchlecture132. Accessed 28 May 2022. 

Shapley, Alice. “Looking Ahead… (40:20).” University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Special Events: 132nd Faculty Research Lecture: "Traveling Back in Time to the Birth of Galaxies, UCLA Special Events, Los Angeles, CA (Virtual Event), 17 May 2022, https://uclaspecialevents.ucla.edu/facultyresearchlecture132. Accessed 28 May 2022. 

Shapley, Alice. “The Cosmic Timeline (25:04).” University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) 

Special Events: 132nd Faculty Research Lecture: "Traveling Back in Time to the Birth of Galaxies, UCLA Special Events, Los Angeles, CA (Virtual Event), 17 May 2022, https://uclaspecialevents.ucla.edu/facultyresearchlecture132. Accessed 28 May 2022. 

Vesna, Victoria. “Space + Art Lecture Series: Introductory Lecture 

‘ and Lectures 1-6.”Space+Art Lectures: Module 9: Design and 

Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Space+Art Lectures for Module 9 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 18 May 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-9-view?module_item_id=4852552.

Julia_Berman DESMA 9 Extra Credit Event 4 Post: LASER Boston: Climate Visions

Event Post: LASER Boston: Climate Visions

 

Email Confirmation: Screenshot of Registration. Personal Photograph. 

On April 28th, 2022, I attended the LASER Boston talk entitled “Climate Visions,” which focused on art projects aiming to raise awareness as to the pertinent issue of climate change. I found Marie Griesmar’s sustainable coral reef project to be particularly interesting. Griesmar et al. created a human-built coral reef structure out of clay, a material which is highly compatible with the structure of coral reefs found in nature. This artificial reef was completed on 19 September 2021, with a “volume of about 10 cubic meters, this reef already provides ample space and feeding ground for fish, and plenty of settling spots for corals” (Marie Griesmar et al. 1). Currently, climate change and anthropogenic activity have led to the destruction of coral reefs worldwide. For instance, climate change and human activities have led to coral bleaching, destruction of coral reefs through activities (i.e., tourism, clearing of coastal land for urban and residential development), and the endangerment/extinction  of species which inhabit coral reefs through rising temperatures and changing weather and climate patterns. Solutions such as an artificial “rrreef” to help restore the habitat for corals and marine life can help mitigate this issue. Coral reef destruction due to climate change is an issue I am passionate about; I have studied this extensively and recently gave a speech on this issue in my Communications 1 course. It was fascinating to learn about a solution to this pertinent issue through art and technology.

Our pilot reef is reality

Rrreefs project design: Our pilot reef is reality. Reference: photo from https://www.rrreefs.com/

High fish diversity after a short time

Rrreefs project design: High fish diversity after a short time. Reference: photo from https://www.rrreefs.com/

I also enjoyed hearing Xavier Cortada’s presentation within this LASER Boston talk. Cortada’s project Underwater HOA “is a participatory art project that depicts South Florida’s vulnerability to sea-level rise” (Xavier Cortada 1). Unfortunately, sea-level rise in low elevation, coastal regions (i.e., Florida) is another detrimental effect that climate change due to anthropogenic activity has had. This is an issue that I have not heard too much about in the global news or media, yet it is an important and relevant issue in the society of today. Cortada’s project Underwater HOA and his murals (pictured below) help to raise awareness of this significant issue through a universal method of communication: art.

Xavier Cortada, “Underwater HOA: Marker 8,” 2018. Reference: photo from https://cortada.com/art2018/underwaterhoa/underwater-hoa-about/

"Xavier Cortada, “Wading Birds,” hand-painted ceramic tile, 2014. A public art project at Stirrup Plaza (Miami-Dade Housing Authority), Miami, FL.” Reference: photo from https://cortada.com/art2014/wading-birds/

Within the LASER talk, Andrea Polli also shared her design of “WindStax,” (Polli 1), devices which can act as mini-wind turbines to power electrical devices (i.e., lights on a bridge). This is an important application of art and technology to climate science and renewable energy, as larger wind turbines may not always be feasible. The talk concluded with Mark Subbareo sharing his visualizations of climate change, which included an illustration of climate change over time as a spiral getting wider and wider. I am extremely grateful to have had the opportunity to attend this fascinating LASER talk discussing Climate Visions; this is a fantastic example of the intersection between art, science, and technology.

Works Cited

Cortada, Xavier. “Home - Xavier Cortada.” Xavier Cortada, Xavier Cortada, 19 May 2022, 

https://cortada.com/. 

Cortada, Xavier. “Xavier Cortada, ‘Underwater HOA: Marker 8,’ 2018.” Xavier Cortada Art: 

About, Xavier Cortada, Online, 2021, https://cortada.com/art2018/underwaterhoa/underwater-hoa-about/. Accessed 28 May 2022. 

Cortada, Xavier. “Xavier Cortada, Xavier Cortada, “Wading Birds,” hand-painted ceramic tile, 2014. A public art project at Stirrup Plaza (Miami-Dade Housing Authority), Miami, FL.” Xavier Cortada Art: About, Xavier Cortada, Online, 2021, https://cortada.com/art2018/underwaterhoa/underwater-hoa-about/. Accessed 28 May 2022. 

Email Confirmation: Screenshot of Registration. 28 April 2022. 

Griesmar, Marie, et al. “Rrreefs Project Design: High fish diversity after a short time.” 

Rrreefs.com: Rrreefs: Rethinking, Rebuilding, Regenerating, Rrreefs, Online, 2021, https://www.rrreefs.com/. Accessed 28 May 2022. 

Griesmar, Marie, et al. “Rrreefs Project Design: Our Pilot Reef Is Reality.” Rrreefs.com: Rrreefs: 

Rethinking, Rebuilding, Regenerating, Rrreefs, Online, 2021, https://www.rrreefs.com/. Accessed 28 May 2022. 

Griesmar, Marie, et al. “Rrreefs: Rethinking, Rebuilding, Regenerating.” Rrreefs, Rrreefs, 2021, 

https://www.rrreefs.com/. 

Griesmar, Marie, et al. Rrreefs Project Design: Our Pilot Reef Is Reality. Online, 2021. 

Polli, Andrea. “Andrea Polli.” Google Sites: Andrea Polli, Andrea Polli, 

https://sites.google.com/andreapolli.com/main/andrea-polli. 

Polli, Andrea, et al., directors. LASER Talks in Boston: Climate Visions. Leonardo/The 

International Center for Art, Science, and Technology (ISAST) Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous (LASER) Talks: LASER Talks in Boston: Climate Visions, Leonardo: The International Center for Art, Science, and Technology/With Arizona State University, 28 Apr. 2022, https://leonardo.info/laser-talks. Accessed 27 May 2022. 

Riegl, Bernhard et al. “Coral reefs: threats and conservation in an era of global change.” Annals 

of the New York Academy of Sciences vol. 1162 (2009): 136-86. doi:10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04493.x

Subbarao, Mark U. “Bio - Mark U Subbarao.” NASA, National Aeronautics and Space 

Administration (NASA): Goddard Space Flight Center, 2022, https://science.gsfc.nasa.gov/sed/bio/mark.u.subbarao.

Julia_Berman DESMA 9 Event Three Post: Professor Victoria Vesna, Guest Lecture @ Monash Art & Design, Australia

Event Confirmation: Screenshot of Attendance. Personal Photograph. 

For my third event, I attended a presentation by Dr. Victoria Vesna, focusing on her Noise Aquarium and Alien Star Dust projects. As a Biology major, I have studied many different organisms, some of which are presented in the Noise Aquarium project (i.e., plankton, as studied in my Marine Biology course). Additionally, I have an interest in Astronomy, and have taken a few Astronomy courses here at UCLA. It was fascinating to be able to see what I have learned in my Biology and Astronomy courses in a new, artistic, unique light.

Noise Aquarium Project Image. Reference: photo from https://noiseaquarium.com/ar/

Watch the Plankton Move. Reference: photo from https://noiseaquarium.com/micro-creatures/.

The project Noise Aquarium is an immersive experience created by Dr. Vesna, using data of sounds from common marine organisms when they are approached by humans (e.g., plankton). This project uses the technology of augmented reality, and also includes seven marine organisms which have been scanned topographically (Vesna 1). Subsequently, a 3-dimensional model of these organisms was generated (Vesna 1). This model is available in a 3-dimensional viewing format through an application, Artvive, which can be downloaded onto a mobile device (Vesna 1). The purpose of this project is to illustrate the impacts of anthropogenic activity on marine microorganisms (i.e., plankton) (Vesna 1).

After outlining the Noise Aquarium project, Dr. Vesna continued by introducing her Alien Stardust creation. Alien Stardust is an augmented reality experience built by Dr. Vesna, which “originally premiered March 10, 2020 in Vienna at the meteorite gallery of the Natural History Museum” (Vesna 1). This project features seven meteorites, from different parts of the world. In the third image below, the meteorite from Antarctica, featured in Dr. Vesna’s project, is shown. I found this meteorite to be particularly beautiful and unique. In her presentation, Dr. Vesna also discussed how she created a Snapchat filter based on her Alien Stardust project. This is a great and creative way to expand the accessibility and knowledge of the Alien Stardust project to more individuals. 

Alien Stardust Installation at the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria (Image One). Reference: photo from http://alienstardust.com/installation/

Alien Stardust Installation at the Natural History Museum in Vienna, Austria (Image Two). Reference: photo from http://alienstardust.com/installation/

Meteorite from Antarctica Featured in the Alien Stardust Project. Reference: photo from https://alienstardust.com/about/

Works Cited

Brierley, Andrew S. “Plankton.” Current biology : CB vol. 27,11 (2017): R478-R483. 

doi:10.1016/j.cub.2017.02.045

Dunbar, Brian. NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2022, 

https://www.nasa.gov/. 

Event Confirmation: Screenshot of Attendance. 2 May 2022. 

Fox, Lyndsey et al. “Quantifying the Effect of Anthropogenic Climate Change on Calcifying 

Plankton.” Scientific reports vol. 10,1 1620. 31 Jan. 2020, doi:10.1038/s41598-020-58501-w

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “[ALIEN] STAR DUST Installation.” ALIEN STAR DUST, Victoria Vesna et al., UCLA Art Sci Collective, Natural History Museum in Vienna, Raw Science Film Festival, Gensler Architects and Harvestworks, 10 Mar. 2020, http://alienstardust.com/installation/. 

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Alien Stardust Installation at the Natural History Museum in Vienna, 

Austria (Image One).” [ALIEN] STAR DUST Installation, Victoria Vesna Et Al., UCLA Art Sci Collective, Natural History Museum in Vienna, Raw Science Film Festival, Gensler Architects and Harvestworks, Vienna, Austria (Photograph Published Online), 10 Mar. 2020, http://alienstardust.com/installation/. Accessed 25 May 2022. 

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Alien Stardust Installation at the Natural History Museum in Vienna, 

Austria (Image Two).” [ALIEN] STAR DUST Installation, Victoria Vesna Et Al., UCLA Art Sci Collective, Natural History Museum in Vienna, Raw Science Film Festival, Gensler Architects and Harvestworks, Vienna, Austria (Photograph Published Online), 10 Mar. 2020, http://alienstardust.com/installation/. Accessed 25 May 2022. 

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Image from Noise Aquarium Project Website.” NOISE AQUARIUM: 3D 

Audio Visual Experience of Plankton in Noise Pollution, Victoria Vesna, Artivive Application/WordPress, Online, https://noiseaquarium.com/ar/. Accessed 25 May 2022.

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Meteorite from Antarctica Featured in the Alien Stardust Project.” 

[ALIEN] STAR DUST Installation, Victoria Vesna Et Al., UCLA Art Sci Collective, Natural History Museum in Vienna, Raw Science Film Festival, Gensler Architects and Harvestworks, Vienna, Austria (Photograph Published Online), 10 Mar. 2020, https://alienstardust.com/about/. Accessed 25 May 2022. 

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “NOISE AQUARIUM: 3D Audio Visual Experience of Plankton in Noise 

Pollution.” NOISE AQUARIUM, Victoria Vesna, Artivive Application/WordPress, https://noiseaquarium.com/ar/. 

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Professor Victoria Vesna, Guest Lecture @ Monash Art & Design, 

Australia.” Monash Art & Design, Australia/University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) Design and Media Arts (DESMA) Event. Professor Victoria Vesna, guest lecture @ Monash Art & Design, Australia, 2 May 2022, Virtual Event, Virtual Event. 

Vesna, Victoria. “Space + Art Lecture Series: Introductory Lecture 

and Lectures 1-6.”Space+Art Lectures: Module 9: Design and 

Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Space+Art Lectures for Module 9 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 18 May 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-9-view?module_item_id=4852552. 

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Watch the Plankton Move.” NOISE AQUARIUM: 3D Audio Visual 

Experience of Plankton in Noise Pollution: Micro Creatures, Victoria Vesna, Artivive Application/WordPress, Online, https://noiseaquarium.com/micro-creatures/. Accessed 25 May 2022. 

Link to Works Cited (in case of formatting issues): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1en0hbhJqHznUSn0QekIN2VRlT6cILl6trpeLtTYcc4s/edit?usp=sharing

Julia_Berman DESMA 9 Week 9 Blog Post: Space + Art Module

In modern society, outer space is often viewed as a final frontier. With art, science, and technology, individuals can visualize strange extraterrestrial phenomena in an artistic and innovative fashion.

he best telescopes and binoculars from brands like Orion, Coleman and Nikon.stevecoleimages / Getty Images. Reference: photo from https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-telescopes-binoculars-ncna1274719

The telescope is an important piece of technology which has enabled individuals to see phenomena in space that are virtually invisible to the naked eye. They can help individuals see, for instance, the surface of the Moon, and nearby stars and planets. There are many different telescope designs, from simple, small telescopes to large, complex telescopes (e.g., the Hubble Space telescope). 

A Deep Sky Behind an Eclipsed Moon: Image showing the Milky Way Galaxy (the central disk), a Meteor (fast pebble), Rho Ophiuchi (stars, gas clouds), and the Moon (in a total eclipse). Reference: photo from https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/images/index.html

Telescopes enable individuals to visualize parts of the universe that are not able to be seen by the naked eye. For instance, this image above displays the central disk of the Milky Way, with an “unusual guest, a dimmed and reddened Moon on the right, was expected because the image was taken during last week’s total lunar eclipse. The timing had to be right because the Moon — both before and after eclipse — would be so bright it would overwhelm the background” (Andrei Ionut Dascalu & Brian Dunbar 1). This unique image was able to be realized through the intersection of space, art, and technology.

​​

Curiosity at 'Glen Etive': NASA's Curiosity rover took this selfie on Oct. 11, 2019, the 2,553rd Martian day, or sol, of its mission (NASA 1). Reference: photo from https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/images/index.html

The rovers on Mars, which are robots that collect data and snap images, are an important application of the intersection between space and technology. Humans have historically not been able to access Mars due to the harsh conditions present on the planet, which are unsuitable for life. However, robotic devices known as rovers have been able to touch down on Mars and collect valuable data and images. The image above shows a picture taken by the rover “Curiosity” on Mars. Through this image, the natural beauty, the intricate features of Mars, and the functional, artistic design of the robot “Curiosity” are showcased. 

Works Cited

Cole, Steve, and Getty Images. “The Best Telescopes and Binoculars from Brands like Orion, 

Coleman and Nikon. Stevecoleimages / Getty Images.” NBCNews.com: Top-Rated Telescopes and Binoculars for Stargazing in 2021, NBCUniversal News Group, New York, NY, 4 Aug. 2021, https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-telescopes-binoculars-ncna1274719. Accessed 24 May 2022. 

Curiosity Rover, and Brian Dunbar. “Curiosity at 'Glen Etive': NASA's Curiosity rover took this 

selfie on Oct. 11, 2019, the 2,553rd Martian day, or sol, of its mission.” National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Mars Curiosity Image Gallery, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) , Washington, DC, 11 October 2019,https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/images/index.html. Accessed 24 May 2022. 

Dascalu, Andrei Ionut, and Brian Dunbar. “A Deep Sky Behind an Eclipsed Moon: An Image 

Showing the Milky Way Galaxy (the Central Disk), a Meteor (Fast Pebble), Rho Ophiuchi (Stars, Gas Clouds), and the Moon (in a Total Eclipse).” National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Astronomy Picture of the Day, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) , Washington, DC, 24 May 2022, https://apod.nasa.gov/apod/astropix.html. Accessed 24 May 2022. 

Dunbar, Brian. NASA, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), 2022, 

https://www.nasa.gov/. 

Holmes, Brian. “Coded Utopia.” Brian Holmes Blog: Continental Drift, Brian Holmes 

Blog/Wordpress, 27 Mar. 2007, https://brianholmes.wordpress.com/2007/03/27/coded-utopia/. 

Malin, Zoe. “Top-Rated Telescopes and Binoculars for Stargazing in 2021.” NBCNews.com, 

NBCUniversal News Group, 4 Aug. 2021, https://www.nbcnews.com/select/shopping/best-telescopes-binoculars-ncna1274719. 

Maran, S P. “Telescopes and automation.” Science (New York, N.Y.) vol. 158,3803 (1967): 

867-71. doi:10.1126/science.158.3803.867

Valkeapää, Oula, et al. “Arctic Perspective Initiative.” ARCTIC PERSPECTIVE INITIATIVE, 

Arctic Perspective Initiative, 2011, http://arcticperspective.org/. 

Vesna, Victoria. “Space + Art Lecture Series: Introductory Lecture 

and Lectures 1-6.”Space+Art Lectures: Module 9: Design and 

Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Space+Art Lectures for Module 9 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 18 May 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-9-view?module_item_id=4852552. 

Waldrop, M M. “Space Telescope (I): Implications for Astronomy: Quite aside from the science 

it will do, Space Telescope will have a major impact on the way astronomers work.” Science (New York, N.Y.) vol. 221,4607 (1983): 249-51. doi:10.1126/science.221.4607.249

Link to Works Cited (in case of formatting issues): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hQeQNOBhm7Aa3qaKT4N4kx24QaWBUj6sN0gNDdoc2Xs/edit?usp=sharing

Julia_Berman DESMA 9 Week 8: Nanotech + Art Blog Post

One important application of the intersection between art, science, and technology occurs in the realm of nanotechnology. Many useful gadgets have been created using the principles of nanotechnology (e.g., computer chips, smartphones, microscopic images of atoms and molecules). For instance, “as the power of the 20th Century microscopes increased, the images recorded progressively reflected not only patterns of waves determined by physical object form, but also how the light waves scatter and interfere with each other” (Gimzewski & Vesna 1). The image below shows a chemical phenomenon illustrated through the nanotechnology of electron microscopy. Without the technology of electron microscopy, these phenomena would not be able to be visualized. This sheds light on the important role of nanotechnology in regards to scientific research.

Scanning electron microscopy images (false color) of different nanostructured ZnO fi lms deposited by chemical bath deposition from alkaline baths under different conditions.  Reference: photo from https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Scanning-electron-microscopy-images-false-color-of-different-nanostructured-ZnO-fi-lms_fig1_228631956

The image below showcases the intricate relationship between humans, art, science, and technology. This image brings to mind instances where humans have been interconnected with technology: from smartphone use to medical devices (i.e., pacemakers, insulin pumps). 

Nano-Scape. Interactive. © All rights reserved, Christa Sommerer and Laurent Migonneau, Australia 2010. Reference: photo from https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#7

The image below illustrates how nanotechnology can help visualize natural phenomena through artistic installations. This is a piece by Kevin Raxworthy, which visualizes a landscape through nanotechnology techniques.

Nanoessence, screen capture. © All rights reserved. Paul Thomas in collaboration with Kevin Raxworthy, Australia 2009. Reference: photo from https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#9

Nanomandala. Victoria Vesna in collaboration with nanoscientist James Gimzewski and Tibetian Buddhist monks from the Gaden Lhopa Khangsten monastery, 2003, installation view, JCG, 2010. © All rights reserved. Victoria Vesna, Australia 2010. Reference: photo from https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#12

Finally, the image above showcases a beautiful mandala art piece that Victoria Vesna created in collaboration with nanoscientist James Gimzewski and Tibetian Buddhist monks from the Gaden Lhopa Khangsten monastery. The mandala is a historic cultural and artistic symbol, and this illustration was created using elements of nanotechnology. Technology, including nanotechnology, has many important applications to the lives of humans, ranging from medicine and scientific research to cultural and artistic visualization.

Works Cited

​​Curtin, John, et al. “John Curtin Gallery.” Art.Base, Art.Base/X.Base, 30 Apr. 2010, https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#12. Gimzewski, Jim, and Victoria Vesna. “The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science.” The Nanomeme Syndrome: Blurring of Fact & Fiction in the Construction of a New Science, Jim Gimzewski and Victoria Vesna, http://vv.arts.ucla.edu/publications/publications/02-03/JV_nano/JV_nano_artF5VG.htm. 

Gimzewski, Jim and Vesna, Victoria. “Nanotech for Artists Lecture Series: Introductory Lecture 

and Lectures 

1-6.”Nanotech+Art Lectures: Module 8: Design and 

Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Nanotech+Art Lectures for Module 8 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 18 May 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-8-view?module_item_id=4852544. 

Gordon, Ronald E. “Electron microscopy: a brief history and review of current clinical 

application.” Methods in molecular biology (Clifton, N.J.) vol. 1180 (2014): 119-35. doi:10.1007/978-1-4939-1050-2_7

Sommerer, Christa, et al. “Nano-Scape. Interactive. © All rights reserved, Christa Sommerer and 

Laurent Migonneau, Australia 2010.” Art.Base: John Curtin Gallery, Art.Base/X.Base, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 30 Apr. 2010, https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#7. Accessed 18 May 2022. 

Switzer, Jay. (2010). Electrodeposition and chemical bath deposition of functional nanomaterials. 

MRS Bulletin. 35. 10.1557/S0883769400051253. 

Switzer, Jay A. “Scanning Electron Microscopy Images (False Color) of Different Nanostructured ZnO Fi Lms Deposited by Chemical Bath Deposition from Alkaline Baths under Different Conditions. .” Electrodeposition and Chemical Bath Deposition of Functional Nanomaterials. MRS Bulletin, ResearchGate GmbH, Oct. 2010, https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Scanning-electron-microscopy-images-false-color-of-different-nanostructured-ZnO-fi-lms_fig1_228631956. Accessed 18 May 2022. 

Thomas, Paul, et al. “Nanoessence, Screen Capture. © All Rights Reserved. Paul Thomas in 

Collaboration with Kevin Raxworthy, Australia 2009.” Art.Base: John Curtin Gallery, Art.Base/X.Base, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 30 Apr. 2010, https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#9. Accessed 18 May 2022. 

Thompson, Benjamin, and Noah Baker. “Google AI beats humans at designing computer chips.” Nature, 10.1038/d41586-021-01558-y. 9 Jun. 2021, doi:10.1038/d41586-021-01558-y

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Nanomandala. Victoria Vesna in collaboration with nanoscientist James 

Gimzewski and Tibetian Buddhist monks from the Gaden Lhopa Khangsten monastery, 2003, installation view, JCG, 2010. © All rights reserved. Victoria Vesna, Australia 2010.” Art.Base: John Curtin Gallery, Art.Base/X.Base, Perth, Western Australia, Australia, 30 Apr. 2010, https://art.base.co/event/2104-art-in-the-age-of-nanotechnology#12. Accessed 18 May 2022. 

Link to Works Cited: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1MSeU1yOYTphpB0lF6UoLjBT-gSyulzgCCKYOpb8VDAg/edit?usp=sharing

Julia_Berman DESMA 9 Event 2 Post: "We're All Living in the Estroworld"

Email confirmation of online event. Personal photo. 

For my second event, I attended Mary Maggic’s presentation entitled “We’re All Living in the Estroworld.” It was fascinating to explore the hormone estrogen’s effect on medicine, technology, and art. Mary Maggic began by discussing the role of gender and sexuality in society, and discussed how the “queerness” of society has increased in the recent years. It is interesting to consider how biological hormones contribute to the exquisite art of gender and sexuality expression. With this development, it is essential that society become more accepting of and offer more resources to the LGBTQ+ community. This is an interesting example of not only the intersection between art, science, and technology, but the intersection between art, science, and gender expression/sexuality as well. Maggic then went on to discuss the experiences of extracting estrogen from common sources (i.e., household items). It was intriguing to see an artistic visualization of a medical and biological hormone, estrogen. I have always heard of estrogen disruptors being present in household items from my family and friends, and was often told to avoid them. In the Estrofem! Lab, Mary Maggic extracts estrogen from common household items, bringing an ubiquitous biological molecule to life through art and science.

Estrofem lab - photo credit: Anna Breit, 2021. Reference: photo from https://maggic.ooo/About

Extraction technique for estrogen - helping to visualize an ubiquitous biological hormone through art and science. Reference: photo from https://maggic.ooo/About

Maggic also explained how she had grown various fungi on agar plates, and placed the extracted estrogen on them, at which point the fungi began to consume the estrogen and other materials in the agar plates. In my ecology and evolutionary biology courses, I learned that humans are closely related to fungi, even more so than plants. I wonder if the consumption of estrogen and starchy agar by fungi serves as an evolutionary metaphor for humans. This raises a fundamental question: how do human bodies process the estrogen we receive from common sources (i.e., household items)?

Photo of Estrofem! Lab. Reference: photo from https://maggic.ooo/About

Works Cited

Breit, Anna, and Mary Maggic. “Estrofem Lab - Photo Credit: Anna Breit, 2021.” Mary Maggic 

Official, Anna Breit/Mary Maggic, 2022, 2022https://maggic.ooo/Estrofem-Lab-1. Accessed 12 May 2022. 

Cleveland Clinic. “Estrogen & The Heart: Risks, Benefits & Side Effects.” Cleveland Clinic, 

Cleveland Clinic, 29 Apr. 2019, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/16979-estrogen--hormones. 

Email Confirmation of Online Event "We're All Living in the Estroworld". 12 May 2022. 

Hood, Ernie. “Are EDCs blurring issues of gender?.” Environmental health perspectives vol. 

113,10 (2005): A670-7. doi:10.1289/ehp.113-a670

Maggic, Mary. “ESTROFEM Lab.” Mary Maggic Official, Mary Maggic, 2022, 

https://maggic.ooo/Estrofem-Lab-1. 

Maggic, Mary. “Extraction technique for estrogen - helping to visualize an ubiquitous biological 

hormone through art and science.” Mary Maggic Official, Mary Maggic, 2022, https://maggic.ooo/Estrofem-Lab-1. Accessed 12 May 2022. 

Maggic, Mary. “Photo of Estrofem! Lab.” Mary Maggic Official, Mary Maggic, 2022, 

https://maggic.ooo/Estrofem-Lab-1. Accessed 12 May 2022. 

Maggic, Mary, et al., directors. We're All Living in the Estroworld, Mary Maggic, Kathy High, and Brenda Miller/Live Zoom Video with BioArt Talks @CBIS, 22 Apr. 2022, https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87670950068?pwd=ajN3RzZzTGYwRHlYYUZYVkV6Y3A0UT09. Accessed 22 April 2022. 

Vesna, Victoria, et al. “Bodies Inc.” Bodies© Incorporated: Main, Viewpoint Data Labs, 

Netscape, Alias/Wavefront, Silicon Graphics, MetaTools, The David Bermant Foundation, SIGGRAPH, Contemporary Arts Center of New Victoria Vesna, President and CEO/Orleans, Santa Barbara Museum of Art, San Francisco Art Institute, Cactus R&D, RAIN, UC Santa Barbara., http://www.bodiesinc.ucla.edu/frames1.html. 

Vesna, Victoria. “Medicine+Technology+Art,Introductory Lecture.” Medicine+Technology+Art 

Lectures: Module 4: Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Medicine+Technology+Art Lectures for Module 4 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 22 Apr. 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-4-view?module_item_id=485251. Accessed 22 Apr. 2022.

Vesna, Victoria. “Medicine+Technology+Art, Lecture 1.” Medicine+Technology+Art 

Lectures: Module 4: Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Medicine+Technology+Art Lectures for Module 4 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 22 Apr. 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-4-view?module_item_id=485251. Accessed 22 Apr. 2022.

Vesna, Victoria. “Medicine+Technology+Art, Lecture 2.” Medicine+Technology+Art 

Lectures: Module 4: Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Medicine+Technology+Art Lectures for Module 4 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 22 Apr. 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-4-view?module_item_id=485251. Accessed 22 Apr. 2022.

Vesna, Victoria. “Medicine+Technology+Art, Lecture 3.” Medicine+Technology+Art 

Lectures: Module 4: Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Medicine+Technology+Art Lectures for Module 4 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 22 Apr. 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-4-view?module_item_id=485251. Accessed 22 Apr. 2022.

Vesna, Victoria. “Medicine+Technology+Art, Lecture 4.” Medicine+Technology+Art 

Lectures: Module 4: Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course. Medicine+Technology+Art Lectures for Module 4 in the Design and Media Arts (DESMA) 9 Course at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), 22 Apr. 2022, Los Angeles, California, https://bruinlearn.ucla.edu/courses/129896/pages/unit-4-view?module_item_id=485251. Accessed 22 Apr. 2022.

Link to Works Cited (with proper formatting): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ghWn0NW-jlqMYzzV1oxTpbhGP348iLy0p-buPi1pA3M/edit