Event 3: X-Men Apocalypse

Keeping up with my unorthodox approach of going to events/places that are not necessarily recommended, I went to see the movie X-men: Apocalypse. You might ask, what exactly is so special about another typical action movie? Simple. The whole concept of X-men is based on biotechnology (genetic mutation) and medical technology (enhancements to the X-men's powers). How does the art factor in? Well, film itself is an art and the imagination of genetic mutations leading to superpowers is also attributed to a form of artistic expression.

To start, we can start with the biotechnology that was used to enhance Apocalypse's powers. In addition to amplifying his powers, Apocalypse's acquired biotechnology allowed him to transfer his "consciousness" between bodies. While it is not necessarily an "artistic" process, but I thought that concept of how this technology was conceived and portrayed film was quite intriguing as an artistic outlet. 

Mid-transfer Apocalypse

Consequently, medical technologies such as Cyclops's glasses allow him to see and not laser everything he looks at. Again, the actually technology is not particularly artistic to me, but as with the previous statement, I find the expression of the "idea" in film is rather artistic. 

Those are Ray-Bans too.

Since this is not a movie review or a synopsis, I will not get too much into the details regarding the movie. However, if students want to observe the imaginations of biotechnology or medical technology at its finest, then look no further. However, I do struggle quite a bit in terms of finding an additional artistic aspect of such a science-based film. For my peers that are just as science-y as I am, I would recommend you to watch this movie to see the connection between an artistic outlet and some of the best scientific concepts I have seen to date. 

Event 2: UCLA Sculpture Garden

As in my last event post, I once again visited a location where artistic displays were free to access. This time around, I visited our own backyard, UCLA's sculpture garden. While not often visited by a majority of students, the sculptures in the garden are all important artistic pieces in their own right. In fact, the sculpture garden is an extension of Hammer museum, indicating the significance of the works displayed there.

Since my last post regarding my visit to LACMA's Urban Lights, I have been consistently intrigued by the mathematics behind my art. Since I didn't exactly iterate this last time, I must confess that I have always thought art to be "abstract" and perhaps even "formless". However, with concepts of ratios and calculations that were explained by Dr. Vesna, I can now only focus on the mathematical angles and lines in the artwork that I see.

For this particular artwork, T.E. UCLA, the way the steel pieces are bent seems almost as complex and beautiful as a calculus parabolic graph. Not only is the shape intriguingly beautiful, but the choice of material (weathered steel) shows the depth of artistic thought placed into the making of this project.

What makes this sculpture truly worthwhile is the "open space" that people can enter. When you are in the middle of the sculpture, it is as if you can feel the metallic embrace of the structure. Perhaps, I can even say I feel "at peace" or "protected".

Therefore, I feel like for students who haven't visited this particular structure, I highly encourage them to do so. It is an unique experience that all UCLA student should enjoy at least once. Perhaps after finals week or even during the hectic chaos of finals, students can come here to feel the same "peace" I felt. This sculpture definitely allowed me to enjoy the math behind art and I wish my peers could feel the same way as well.


Bibilography:
http://articles.latimes.com/2006/mar/02/news/wk-serra2
http://laplaces.blogspot.com/2009/05/ucla-sculpture-garden.html