Event 2 | From Forces to Forums #3 | Maya Srinivasan

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The third installment of the From Forces to Forums event displayed the relationships between humans and nature; particularly, it conveyed a message that mankind needs a shift in our treatment of nature. The artists that displayed their works, namely Ursula Endlicher and Victoria Vesna, showcased this theme in their art and also explained how they have utilized technology to create these pieces. 


Input Field reversal by Ursula Endlicher


Endlicher's art is focused on aspects such as 'edible HTML,' which they describe as "materialized code that revolves around a shared food experience" (Endlicher). They also note that they pursue this form of artwork because they want to show the distinction between the natural and technological worlds. By combining activities such as farming, as shown in the picture above, with coding knowledge, this artist can make a truly unique piece of work. Walter Benjamin notes that "the uniqueness of a work of art is inseparable from its being embedded in the fabric of tradition," and I believe this connects to this artist's work in many ways (2). Although this is a newer way of creating art, it doesn't lose the ritualistic aspects of less contemporary forms of art. 


Noise Aquarium by Victoria Vesna


Professor Vesna's work was fascinating to learn about. She explained that her art pieces revolved around the idea that the oceans are in trouble because of mankind's destructive habits. She incorporated 3D scans of various ocean life and has simulations of the sensitivity of the ocean. Professor Vesna notes that "this is a highly interdisciplinary artist led effort with biologists, chemists, nano-toxicologists and an animator all working together towards a common goal," which displays how art and science can come together to achieve something beautiful (Noise Aquarium). This reminded me of C.P. Snow's work, as he mentions that "scientific culture is comprised of people who do not always understand one another," yet they have all come together to work on this amazing project (10). Although many individuals may not see a connection between the arts and sciences, the artists I've mentioned above prove that their collaboration is necessary to shed light on important causes. 

I believe this event will help me with the midterm project as it gave me concrete examples of how the arts and sciences can connect. I would like to learn more about this topic, as I believe it's important to society today. 


Proof of Attendance:



References:

Benjamin, Walter. The Work of Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction. 1935. 

Endlicher, Ursula. “Edible HTML.” Ursula Endlicher - Edible HTML, 2022, http://www.ursenal.net/edibleHTML/. 

Levy, Ellen. “From Forces to Forums 3: Repairing Nature.” From Forces to Forums. From Forces to Forums 3: Repairing Nature, 16 Apr. 2022. 

Snow, C. P. The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution. At the Univ. Press, 1960. 

Vesna, Victoria. “Noise Aquarium.” NOISE AQUARIUM, 2022, https://noiseaquarium.com/the-project/. 


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