Unit 4: Medicine + Technology + Art

http://www.askthetrainer.com/anatomy-diagram-of-human-body/

Medicine, technology and art have been a dominant trio for over 4,000 years. Back in 800 B.C., ancient Indians performed plastic surgery on damaged faces from war (Vesna). In 1543, Andreas Vesalius published “one of the most influential books in medical history on human anatomy” titled “De humani corporis fabrica” (Vesna). In 1858, Henry Gray published his famous book titled “Anatomy” which marked the growing knowledge of the human body and the advancement of medical technologies. These three examples are just a few instances prior to the 21st century where medicine, art and technology start to show their prominence. 

http://thetimeriver.blogspot.com/2011/01/medicine-men-of-ancient-india.html

In my opinion, the most fascinating technological developments in art and medicine are the x-ray, MRI and CAT scan. As an athlete, these things are pertinent to my health and my ability to perform at the highest level. They also function as tools for airport security and manufacturing (Vesna).  At first, I did not understand how these things related to art. After viewing the materials, I learned that these technologies provide a non-invasive way to study and observe the human body (Vesna). X-rays take photographs through radiation while MRI’s use magnets, and CAT scans slice 3D pictures of organs to view a variety of angles (Vesna). Now doctors can directly see brain tumors, cancers, signs of stroke, broken bones, torn ligaments or other illness without cutting the body open (Vesna). Similarly, x-rays, MRI’s and CAT scans bring new possibilities for artists to understand the human body and find inspiration for their work. Sometimes artists choose to get an MRI of their own body to “visualize something which lies beyond our senses in the hope of rendering it clearer” (Contemporary Aesthetics).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chest_radiograph

While some artists study anatomy to enchance their artwork, some artists choose to use the technological inspiration directly and paint what they see. Laura Jacobson of Stanford University created a series of artwork inspired from a brain scan research study (Jacobson). “Through acrylics, sculpture, and etchings, Jacobson reinterprets the MRI” (Jacobson). As seen below, a street artist named SHOK-1 paints colorful x-ray murals.

http://blogof.francescomugnai.com/2013/09/incredible-colorful-x-ray-street-art-shok-1/

In some cases, x-rays and MRI’s help artists do more than inspire artwork. X-rays can help artist authenticators discover information about paintings of the past. An x-ray may “detect traces of minerals and other elements within the paint” and can help “prove the nature and origin of the painting” (Art Experts).

Citations:

Jacobson, Laura. "Amazing Art Inspired By MRIs." Popular Science. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.popsci.com/science/article/2013-06/amazing-art-inspired-mris>.

"The Aesthetics of Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI): From the Scientific Laboratory to an Artwork." Contemporary Aesthetics. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.contempaesthetics.org/newvolume/pages/article.php?articleID=569>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Medicine Pt1." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=368&v=Ep0M2bOM9Tk>.

Vesna, Victoria. "Medicine Pt2." YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=psjnQarHOqQ>.

"X-ray Examination." X-ray Examination. N.p., n.d. Web. <http://www.artexpertswebsite.com/scientific-tests/x-ray-examination.php>.