Week 9 | Space + Art

In the beginning of the quarter, we learned about the necessity of a paradigm shift in our educational systems that could implement the importance of both cultures. Learning about the history of space exploration made me wonder if the "space race" played a huge role in a previous education paradigm shift that further split the "two cultures." Although we entered a new era of space exploration when telescopes were created in the 17th century, it was not until the "space race" that the educational system entered a long term paradigm shift. Math and sciences began to be heavily emphasized and funded by the government at this time, which led to more focus towards one culture over the other.

Propaganda During the Space Race

Aside from this thought, it fascinated me that science fiction writers played a huge role in inspiring engineers to make reality of their creativity. This demonstrates the indirect yet significantly powerful relationship between artists and scientists. For instance, writer Arthur Clarke, created the concept of a space elevator (an orbital tower that would rise from the ground) in his novel "The Fountains of Paradise." This inspired David Smitherman, an engineer at NASA, to compile plans for actually creating this idea.

Space Elevator Concept

There are other ways space combines art and science that I had not realized before. I did not even know that the term "space art" existed! Chesley Bonestell created scientific illustrations, which have been in several science fiction magazines, and helped popularize manned space travel through his work. In addition, the work in Dancing on the Ceiling exhibits severals works of different artists that explore the theme of weightlessness and zero gravity through digital or traditional art media. Lastly, T.V. shows like Star Wars and Star Trek incorporates space science and film art.

Chesley Bonestell, Exploration of Mars 1953

Overall, I was surprised at how fast space exploration grew and how much space engineers have accomplished. For instance, I never knew about the robotic asteroid mining industry and its potential in providing a tremendous amount of cobalt, nickel, and platinum. From one asteroid, we could extract platinum worth more than a 100 billion dollars! If it happens, it has been predicted to cause  a race for control of the global economy.

Asteroid Materials

References:

"Bonestell - Home." Bonnets' - Home. Web. 31 May 2015.

Forde, Kathleen. "Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity." Dancing on the Ceiling. Web. 31 May 2015. 

Pt1 1280x720. Dr. Victoria Vesna. Youtube. Uconlineprogram, 29 July. 2013. Web. 31 May. 2015.

Pt2 1280x720. Dr. Victoria Vesna. Youtube. Uconlineprogram, 29 July. 2013. Web. 31 May. 2015.

"Space Elevator:" Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Web. 31 May 2015.

Space pt5. Dr. Victoria Vesna. Youtube. Uconlineprogram, 30 May. 2012. Web. 31 May. 2015.

"Space Race: International Implications." Kairos of American Propaganda. Web. 31 May 2015.

"Triton World: High Value Asteroid Materials from W3." Triton World. Web. 31 May 2015.