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I was interested to learn that plastic surgery is an ancient eastern practice originating from 4000 years ago (Vesna, Lecture 3). Plastic surgery is the most obvious link of medicine to art in my opinion, as both focus on aesthetics. However, I was more intrigued to learn about other medical processes connected to art that I would have never before considered correlated.  This past week, I was at the doctor’s office and received an echocardiogram. An Echocardiogram “ uses sound waves to show how blood flows through the heart and heart valves”(Mayo Clinic). As Dr. Vesna discussed in Lecture 2, doctors have been opting toward non-invasive imaging such as MRI & X Rays & CAT scans to diagnose conditions without invasive procedures (Vesna, Lecture 2). As the machine sounded out the rhythmic pumping of blood throughout my body, it struck me as a form of art, and I was reminded of this week's course material.  (PAH TV). (Corrielus Cardiology) In Casini’s experience of receivi...

Walter Benjamin discusses the implication of mass reproduction. Benjamin argues that the original piece of art contains a unique “aura” of a piece of art destroyed by mechanical reproduction (Benjamin, 1). With reproduction, the piece depreciates and loses its authority (Benjamin, 1).  Reproducible art has been integral for the successes of fast-fashion companies. Corporations such as Shein, are guilty of stealing small artists' designs and reproducing them on a massive scale. To Walter’s point, the art that is stolen is never an exact replica and lacks aura. Below is an example of the original vs the replica.  ( Malu Hernandez, 1).  The loss of “aura” is apparent. The original artist's use of an intricate crochet gives the original piece a sense of quality– while the reproduced pieces are less intricate and overall lower quality.  Davis states, “The fictions of "master " and "copy” are now so entwined with each other that it is impossible to say where one begins...

  Dr. Vesna discusses the influence that mathematical developments such as linear perspective and vanishing points had on art, especially artists Brunelleschi & Düru.  (Vesna). Something surprising I learned about was the influence of mathematics on renaissance paintings. Considering Leonardo da Vinci’s ‘The Last Supper.’ To me the background of the painting is just a setting without much significance- instead my  eyes are drawn to the figures. Renaissance art to me is highly emotional and dramatic. Before the lecture material this week, I would not have considered renaissance art as influenced by mathematics. However, now it is clear the role that perspective, symmetry, and geometry plays in this art piece.  (Get Your Guide)   (Google Arts and Culture) Oath of the Horatii by David also exemplifies this fusion of art & mathematics. While these pieces were painted 200 years apart– the lasting influence of perspective & geometry remains. Frantz’s arti...

 Vesna stresses the importance of, and optimism for the possibility of building bridges between the arts & sciences. She states that universities are where much of this work takes place (Vesna 122). During Lecture, Dr. Vesna emphasizes CP Snow's dissatisfaction with the separation between the sciences and humanities (Vesna 1). Contrary to Snow's beliefs, polarization of the two cultures is very apparent at UCLA. The landscape surrounding the north and south campuses correspond to the stereotypes of art and science vocations. The North Campus, surrounded by trees and nature, complete with the sculpture garden, is located closer to nature. Meanwhile, the South Campus is located closer to the city of Westwood, surrounded by working professionals, businesses, and the hospital. The placement of the South campus is therefore associated with the fast pace life of business, healthcare and technology.   Sculpture Garden (UCLA 1) Medical School Building (UCLA 1) Vesna discusses...