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Prosthetic leg This week’s topic was fascinating and thought-provoking. I gained some insights on the intersection of art and medicine that I otherwise would not have given any thought to. It is amazing how technological inventions can finally produce a visual of the inner contents of the human body and further enhance our understanding of our anatomy. Additionally, our success in medical technology has enabled the possibility of altering and repairing our bodies. Inventions such as the x-ray machine have greatly improved the ease at which doctors determine the condition of patients. The introduction of prosthetics has definitely allowed those in need to live more comfortably. I was most surprised at the fact that plastic surgery stemmed from the a ftermath of wars and how wars are really the catalyst for advancements in science, art, and medicine. While the practice of repairing and beautifying a bodily feature has been around for centuries, technological innovations sped up the

Assembly line production  The evolution of machines and technology has led to greater efficiency and mass production, which in turn has resulted in a cultural and scientific awakening. As Professor Vesna pointed out, the invention of the printing press was the beginning of the assembly line production and using the printing press as an example, we can see how such machines have affected our lives. The printing press increased the ease in which knowledge was dispersed, and this set off a period in history that really transformed our lives. While machinery has enhanced our societies, Walter Benjamin believes that it results in the loss of aura of artworks. Before the practice of mass reproduction, paintings and artworks were unique and significant, but now, mass-produced artworks no longer have its inherent value. Even though art can now reach a multitude of people and culture is being spread, it has no value because it is not original. C-3PO and R2-D2 in Star Wars Movies,

The golden ratio found in nature When people hear the terms math and art, they usually do not think of them as intertwining concepts. Math and art seem to be on the opposite ends of the scale but as this week's lecture demonstrated, both concepts have a long history of collaboration. The best example of this would be found in nature. Many similar shapes and patterns can be seen throughout plants and the various things that nature creates. Mathematicians have computed the perfect formula for recreating the very patterns we see naturally. These equations and theorems are used by many artists to produce art of different mediums. Artists like Piet Mondrian used geometric elements to mark their artistry. I remember making a Mondrian painting in middle school, but back then I was not aware of the greater connection between art and math. Another artist, MC Escher, was inspired by the mathematical concepts of space and perspective. Though not a math scholar, Escher pushed the b

Science and art combined is a powerful force On campus, the humanities and sciences divide is very pronounced. Though not as equally important to every student, there exists this imaginary competition between North and South campus, with South campus hailing as the victor of the more difficult majors. As C.P. Snow claimed, educational institutions establish and fortify a separation of the two cultures. I also believe that society reinforces the idea that the humanities and sciences are inherently unequal and disconnected and that science is the superior of the two. Likewise, parents push their kids to pursue a career in STEM and oftentimes bear sour feelings towards humanity and art majors. Left(methodical) vs. right(creative) debate Being a political science major, I never felt inferior, but somehow society told me to. I felt distant from the sciences, but I observed a few overlapping elements. While I acknowledge the higher degree of intensity and complexity