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One of the exhibitions created by Hans Ulrich Obrist
http://www.e-flux.com/announcements/36565/
two-new-iterations-of-hans-ulrich-obrist-s-ongoing-interview-project/ |
As an Economics major, I have been made aware of the blend of science and art, as this is not a definite “north” or “south” campus major. It is clear a bridge between the two cultures has always existed, but I had never realized how big of a connection. Discovering that this blend is referred to as the “Third Culture” has introduced a new perspective into my life as a student and beyond. So many of the things we love are made possible through the combination of art and science. They complement each other and learning how to successfully blend the two can be beneficial to learning.
In Snow’s acclaimed lecture at Cambridge, he recognized two cultures consisting of “literary intellectuals” and “natural scientists” (Vesna 121). Four years later, he added a revision claiming that a “Third Culture” would transpire, diminishing the gap between the intellectuals and scientists (Vesna 121). We can see this happening through the efforts of people like John Brockman and Hans Ulrich Obrist, who combined the works of artists and scientists to create a “marvelous juxtaposition” (Brockman 4). They curated the exhibition and events which brought together over forty renowned artists and scientists for an event at the Reykjavik Art Museum.
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Two sides of the brain combining, like in Psychology
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It is apparent that these two cultures exist at UCLA. Portrayed through our writing requirements and GE classes that force us to be well rounded students by taking classes outside our major subject. Similarly, as I learned in my psych 10 class: psychology is a combination of both science and arts by encompassing the study of the structure of the brain, along with empathetic approaches to treatment. Psychologists must use both sides of their brain when meeting with a patient, and evaluate emotions while combining their knowledge about the brain’s anatomy.
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Child playing a video game
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/08/05/amount-time-video-games-kids_n_5651027.html
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An example I found interesting was how science was able to create technology such as the TV and radio, which are important tools artists use to reach their audiences and share their work (Kelly). Expanding on this, video games are able to combine the art and design of the game with the science behind it, creating something kids often use and love. In order for inventions like this to happen “one must be able to learn something new,
even if this means that ideas and notions that are comfortable or dear to him may be overturned” (Bohm 138). Blending these two subjects only creates more creativity.
Works Cited:
Vesna, Victoria. "Toward a Third Culture: Being In Between." Leonardo. 34 (2001): 121-125. Print.
Snow, C. P. The Two Cultures and the Scientific Revolution. New York: Cambridge UP, 1959. Print.
Graham-Rowe, Duncan. "John Brockman: Matchmaking with Science and Art." WIRED UK. WIRED UK, 23 May 2016. Web.
Kelly, Kevin. "The Third Culture" Science 13 February 1998: Vol. 279 no. 5353 pp. 992-993. Web.
D. Bohm.
Leonardo, Vol. 1, No. 2. (Apr., 1968), pp. 137-149. Print.
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ReplyDeleteI never thought about psychology as an area of study using both art and science! But I very much agree with you. After taking many biology and math courses I've been exposed to many biological and mathematical models. In order to enhance any type of research, not limited to scientific research, it is important to have models to analyze, whether the models are physical or computer programmed, it encompasses art for visualization. I also agree that a third culture is "beneficial to learning" as you mentioned. There could be some things that a scientist does not understand that a literary intellectual might and vice versa, that could lead to major breakthroughs.
ReplyDeleteAs an Economics major myself, I completely agree with you about it being a bridge between science and art. Especially when using large data sets in Econometrics, before the actual regressions are done, there is a process of cleaning the data and that really is an artform. The end result can sometimes change significantly if the data is manipulated differently.
ReplyDeleteAlthough Kelly talks about the improvements happening by science and art collaborating, Kelly also points out the problems caused by this third culture. The rising importance of creation rather than creativity as Kelly suggests might hinder our thirst for greater understanding of the world. I think its important to remember the destructive abilities of this change in culture, and hopefully keep it in check.