Event 1 - Santa Monica Glow

On 9/28, my friends and I went to the Santa Monica Glow, a public art show on Santa Monica Beach. This art show consists of fifteen artists, each of them show their artwork representing their own understanding of the relationship among art, science, and humanity. I find it a really good event to go to; especially it is very helpful to study Week 1’s topic- Two Cultures. Besides, I am really honored to meet our professor, Victoria Vesna.

With Mathieu Brian, the artist of the Ring of Fire

The Sun - a Ring on Fire

The moon - a rotating stone

     

The first thing caught my attention upon arrival was a ring on fire. We were very surprised that the show would be on 6:43PM, a very specific time. With this question, we talked to the artist, Mathieu Brian.  He explained to us that 6:43PM is the time of sunset that day. The ring of fire represented the sun, while the moon was represented by a rotating rock. Mathieu chose the time of sunset in order to project the sunlight on the "moon." I think it is a very good example of how artist uses science to better show the artwork. Mathieu Brian effectively uses the modern technology to choose the best time, the time of sunset, to have the exhibition. His work also tells people the power of the sun rotation, which is very educational for people to know more about natural science.

The big screen under sunset. 

With Rebeca Mendez

I was then attracted by a huge screen. When night came, it started showing that birds that are doing migration.  According to the artist, Rebeca Mendez, this artwork represents her personal experience. She immigrated to United States from Mexico, which is just like birds migration. It reminds me of my life as well. I came to the U.S for college when I was 18. This could be considered as a turning point of my life since I experienced completely different culture and education at the U.S. Besides, my home country, China, is at the other side of the Pacific Ocean. Therefore, I had really conflicted feeling when seeing this artwork at Santa Monica Beach. I believe this is a very good example of how art and science work together to reflect the humanity.

With Professor Vesna

One of the teammate of Professor Vesna. 

He is wearing a T-shirt with the picture of the “Octopus Mandala Glow ” on it. 

Lastly, we went to see our professor, Victoria Vesna. Her work is called “Octopus Mandala Glow,” and the theme is “Occupy the Wheel.” People got on the Pacific Wheel wearing LED octopus crowns and made wishes.

Me wearing the LED octopus crown. 

Professor Vesna and her teammate explained to us the meaning of her work. Since the Industrial revolution, people are dominated by technology. However, they believe that it is we, the human beings, who should occupy the technology to live a better life, which is the original meaning of industrial revolution.  People should take control of technology just like occupying the Wheel. They also told us that they have had many shows like this in different parts around the country. We were really amazed by her work. I believe her work reflects how art, science, and humanity can work together in order to tell people an important social meaning. 

This is a very exciting event. My friends and I spent a wonderful day on Santa Monica Beach. Also, we learned that how art can be the third culture that perfectly connect  humanity and science. I strongly recommended people to go to the show. However, Glow is held once every three years. People who are interested in the event have to wait 3 more years. Do not miss it next time!