For
my first event, I decided to look further into the topic of art, science, and
technology. Throughout the lectures, we mainly focused on how mathematical
principles are used by artists to create their final piece, how technology and
robots could create art or destroy its authenticity, and the ways in which
anatomy and dissection sit at the intersection of art and science. I wanted to
expand on these ideas of how art and science are related. The relationship
between art and science is not only important in creating a final product, but
also maintaining it for future generations to see. Numerous restoration and preservation
techniques utilize chemical properties in order to properly maintain the
artwork.
 |
| Mona Lisa Reconstruction Steps https://ceroart.revues.org/3828 |
I
chose to go to the Getty because of the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI),
which uses and develops scientific advances to preserve and restore art of all
ages. Some of the many types of conservation, restoration, and examination techniques
include ultraviolet illumination, X-ray fluorescent spectroscopy, scanning
electron microscopy, infrared imaging, raman spectroscopy, laser ablation, etc.
The gleaming white buildings and pristine paintings in the Getty often times
overshadow the tireless efforts of the conservation institute; however, without
these modern scientific advancements in preservation many of the beloved
masterpieces by Van Gough, Monet, Picasso, and others would be lost in history.
Preservation allows artwork to transcend generations and, in doing so, allows
modern day society to “paint a picture” of the life long ago. The Getty’s
conservation institute opened my eyes to the difficulty of artistic preservation
and viewing the fabulous artwork helped me to understand its importance.
The Getty Conservation Institute
An Inside Look at GCI
Scientists
and artists team together to keep art in the most pristine condition possible.
The mixing of chemicals and inventions of new technological devices to preserve
and restore art require the knowledge and ability of renowned scientists and
art experts to work together.
Citations
Bagwell, Sam. "The Beauty of Science: New Technologies
in Art Restoration." USC Viterbi. Illumin, 08 Dec. 2004. Web. 23
Apr. 2016.
<http://illumin.usc.edu/34/the-beauty-of-science-new-technologies-in-art-restoration/>.
"Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) | The Getty." Getty
Conservation Institute. The J. Paul Getty Trust, n.d. Web. 23 Apr. 2016
<http://www.getty.edu/conservation/>.
Proof of Event
 |
| Me at Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) |
 |
| Me in front of Monet's Wheatstacks, Now Effect, Morning |
 |
| Me with worker at The Getty |
 |
| My parking ticket to prove the date |
Hi Rachel! I thought your take on the intersection of art and science relating to the Getty Conservation Institute was very interesting. When I tried to relate the topic to the event my first event, I found myself focusing on how there were actual elements of art and science in the objects I saw. However, I think the fact that you focused on the background behind the art you saw is a great example of how one becomes more effective with the help of the other, in this case, science helping art. The preservation of art that you talked about reminded me of Walter Benjamin's article about mechanical production. Yet, distinct example helps prove that mechanization is actually the one responsible that keeps the aura and uniqueness of the art you saw. Overall, you gave a clear and concise summary of your event and a sufficient relevance to the class.
ReplyDelete