Event #5: ART + BRAIN and MORPHO Nano Catalogue Launch

On June 2nd, I attended the ART+BRAIN and MORPHO Nano Catalogue Launch at the ArtSci Gallery in UCLA California NanoSystems Institute. The event started off with brief introductions from Professor Victoria Vesna of UCLA, Professor Patricia Olynyk of Washington University, Professor Mark Cohen of UCLA, David Familian of UCI, and Professor James Gimzewski of UCLA. They all provided an overview of the work they do as well as their contribution to the projects mentioned. It is interesting to learn about how artists and scientists can work together to create something this interesting and thought-provoking. Afterwards, we were encouraged to talk to the speaker regarding their field of interest as well as their work in academia. There were copies of the projects both in digital and printed format for us to read and gain a more holistic understanding of these collaborations between art and science.





Being the last event of the quarter, the reception certainly did not disappoint. Throughout the quarter, we have learned so much about the relationship between art and science, how artists and scientists work together to come up with amazing innovations. This event provided a chance for us to not just understand more about the collaboration but also learn about it directly from artists who have been working with scientists and vice versa. As mentioned by the speakers, I believe that art+science is indeed going to be a powerful force moving forward if the materials we learned in the course was any indication.

It is also nice to see how these projects can bring academics and researchers together, not just across fields but also institutions. While the majority of the speakers are from UCLA, these projects also brought along Professor Olynyk and Familian from their respective institutions to speak to us about their work. Overall, I enjoyed the event. It provided us with the opportunity to meet and talk to innovators face-to-face, understand their work and see them through their point of view. It was also a great chance for them to showcase what they have been working on and present their idea to the public.