Extra Credit Event 1: Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous

I attended the Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous (LASER). LASERs exist as an "international program of evening gatherings that bring artists and scientists together for informal presentations and conversation with an audience" (Laser Talks). Professor Vesna herself introduced the event. Many people came and spoke about either their scientific finds that involved art, such as archeological digs of painted animal skulls in ancient civilizations, or artistic projects that involved art.

I'm choosing to write more on Behnaz Farahi. She works to intertwine human experience with architectural art. She spoke on many of her projects, but my favorite was one called the 'Caress of the Gaze.' It is a 3D-printed, wearable cape that tracks eye movement. The piece responds to the viewer, swelling and retracting depending on the focus of the viewer's gaze. Not only does Farahi's project utilize 3D printing, which is a booming industry due to it's ability to quite literally make something from nothing, but also incredible video technology. The video can detect approximate age and gender of a given person in addition to their gaze, which has scientific implications in how different people, due to demographic differences, interact with others. The piece has an intimate, almost sexual, quality to it, truly combining human interaction and science.

 

In a similar project, 'Ruff', Farahi designed another wearable piece that responds to environmental factors. The coils wrap around the bodice, and contract and re-expand. The springs within the piece allow for a life-like quality, almost like breathing. Farahi deeply understands how to bring 3D printing and movable technology and combine it with human features.

All of Farahi's pieces include a feature that I think deserves further discussion, which is the intricate in-and-out motion that allows for "breathing." It reminded me of our topics on robotics, where we questioned what makes us human. Farahi brings pieces to life in a manner almost unsettling, pushing the boundaries of what makes us people. If robots could respond to eye movement, appear to be breathing, and move with incredibly subtle, slinking movements, at what point are they nearly people? I think Farahi pushes the boundaries of wearable technology, inspiring an artistic, futuristic vibe and almost making people robotic.

Farahi's pieces were so inspiring to me that I do think I will write my final essay on her. Her diverse background greatly encompasses technology and art mixing at its fullest: architecture, art, 3D-printing, fashion, and interactive design. Her pieces are innovative and look toward a future where the average, everyday person will interact with an expansive set of technological advancements and artistic design, simply by getting dressed. Personally, I could see teenagers and young adults really resonating with her work, as these age categories often look for more creative outlets of expression.

Sources:

Farahi, Behnaz. Behnaz Farahi. Behnaz Farahi, 2017. Web. 31 May 2017.

Kusahara, Machiko. Robotics. https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/684222/pages/unit-3-view?module_item_id=11226146
Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous. Piero Scaruffi. Web 31 May 2017.

Vesna, Victoria. Robotics Pt. 2 https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/684222/pages/unit-3-view?module_item_id=11226146

Vesna, Victoria. Robotics Pt. 3 https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/684222/pages/unit-3-view?module_item_id=11226146

Vesna, Victoria. Robotics Pts. 1-6 https://cole2.uconline.edu/courses/684222/pages/unit-9-view?module_item_id=11226181

Pictures:

Farahi, Behnaz. Digital Image, "Caress of the Gaze." BehnazFarahi.com, WIRED, 2015, http://behnazfarahi.com/caress-of-the-gaze/.

Farahi, Behnaz. Digital Image, "Caress of the Gaze." BehnazFarahi.com, WIRED, 2015, http://behnazfarahi.com/caress-of-the-gaze/.

Farahi, Behnaz. Digital Image, "Ruff." BehnazFarahi.com, WIRED, 2015, http://behnazfarahi.com/ruff/.

Merritt, Jennifer. Digital Image. "Proof of Attendance." 25 May 2017.

Proof of attendance: