Event Blog #2 - Griffith Observatory

Event #2 - Griffith Observatory

        This week for my second event, I visited the Griffith Observatory. There was so much to be learned and so many connections to be made. I think that the first observation I made while I was there was the apparent connection between science and art. The way the observatory created the exhibit was one that really was visually appealing, but informative. It was almost like an art gallery when you took a step back and took in the whole room, but the closer you got to the images and "art" the more science you were able to learn. 

        I also think that the overall architecture of the building was something to look at from a design and art perspective. During Week 1, we talked about the two cultures and one of the biggest things that stood out for me, was the differences and divisions between North and South campus. In addition, in this picture of the outside of the observatory, you are able to see the use of geometric shapes that were utilized to construct the building. This goes back to our use of math and art as one. 

        Finally, I think that a big portion of this visit was my connection between art and space. We see so many artists try to replicate the night sky, space itself, or just the planets or stars. I think that this is another connection between science and art. Many people use art as a way to express how they are feeling, but people also use it to also teach others. I think that the use of art to teach is a big reason as to why the Griffith came to be what it is now. While you are learning the entire time you are within the observatory, there is so much to be visually taken in. I think that this experience really did help to enrich a lot of our earliest topics within this course. 

Works Cited:

Henderson, Linda Dalrymple. “The Fourth Dimension and Non-Euclidean geometry in modern art: Conclusion.” Leonardo, vol. 17, no. 3, 1984, pp. 205–210, https://doi.org/10.2307/1575193.

“Math in Art.” Math in Art –– Minneapolis Institute of Art, new.artsmia.org/programs/teachers-and-students/teaching-the-arts/five-ideas/math-in-art. Accessed 11 Apr. 2024.

Vesna, Victoria. “Toward a Third Culture: Being in Between.” Leonardo, vol. 34, no. 2, 2001, pp. 121 
        125., https://doi.org/10.1162/002409401750184672.  

Vesna, Victoria, “Lecture Part III: Two Cultures.” Youtube, Mar. 2012,

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FOEuxrwxd0&t=5s