I rarely go to the Biomedical Research Library, but when I do, I go see what is new and popping Special Collections. Actually, this quarter was the first time I explored the Special Collections in this library, of which I previously had not known its existence. It looked like a normal part of the library, with book stacks. However, there were special encased displays, which presented some interesting artwork. The theme of some of the displays in the special collections seemed to revolve around birds, specifically parrots.

I attended another LASER this quarter that not only was more interesting in regards to the different art projects presented, but there were a lot more speakers as well. In addition, most, if not all of the projects, were new in the presentation. The artist who developed the “Infinity” art l sci exhibit for the week also presented his project. This was one of the projects that interested me the most because I spent about 2-4 years working with infinity in homework problems and learning it in class, but did not really imagine it as a physical entity.

The past weekend, I visited the Museum of Jurassic Technology in Culver City. I did not realize this, but when I would travel and explore Los Angeles, I passed by the building and thought it was very old and a little eerie. I did not realize I passed by this place when I first heard the name, but only realized it when I paid a visit. It is deceivingly small, and is a bit compact inside. However, this museum has so many interesting things.

I have not been inside the Fowler Museum till this quarter during my time at UCLA and regret that I have not gone sooner because it is so interesting and beautiful. The highlighted exhibit was “Making Strange” by Vivan Sundaram. He obtained his education from India and continued studying art in London. I thought this exhibit was probably the strangest that I have encountered, hence the name.

I came across this article today and wanted to share it with you all. This is a picture of the microorganisms found on the palm of an 8-year-old boy after playing outdoors. Experimental tests have not been done yet to determine what types of bacteria were cultivated, but Tasha Sturm, microbiology lab technician, believes that the hand print includes yeast, fungi, and bacteria. As pretty as this petri dish may seem, it is truly an astounding reminder of the plethora of microorganisms that live amongst us.

The Making Strange Exhibit was at once stunning, absurd, and thought-provoking! Vivan Sundaram is a Delhi-based artist who does a fantastic job of taking normal, everyday things and turning them into strange combinations that spurs deep thinking about societal notions of beauty and health. Although there were so many pieces that brought up interesting discussion, I'd like to share my thoughts on some of my favorites.

Today I ventured into somewhere I've never been before...the Biomedical Library's Special Collections stacks! I study in the main library often, but had never known of this hidden gem. What caught my eye was a display of gorgeous illustrations of birds laid out very delicately in a special case.

Water has always been a big part of my life. When I was little my dad built a pool in our backyard. And he taught me and my sister how to swim. And a few years later I learned how to surf. And since then I have basically lived on the beach and in the water. It’s ironic really. My favorite part about surfing is paddling out as far as you dare to go and then turning and staring at where the water meets the horizon. And then I’d just sit and stare out letting my mind go numb.

The day I went to visit the "Making Strange" exhibit in the Fowler Museum, I also went to see "The Art of Hair in Africa." This exhibit displayed a variety of hair pins, sticks, combs, and ornaments that have been worn by African women of different class and tribe. The artist states that the use of certain hair pieces function as a form of social communication, to construct one's identity and culture. It was so interesting to see the large display cases with intricate ornaments that were all selectively grouped and labeled.

A week ago I went to the Griffith Park observatory for the first time. And while I visited the center for another class, I saw aspects of this class too in what I saw and I have decided to talk a bit about the overlap. I went to the observatory for my Evolution of the Cosmos seminar. That part makes sense. A class about the stars and the universe so you take a trip to a museum dedicated to science and astronomy. But I believe that the Griffith Park Observatory best embodies the successful merger between science and art.

No one quite knows what the formula is to creating the next big look. But everyone knows that the fashion industry has a huge hand in the development of societal trends. It was Coco Chanel who made having a tan a desirable feature in the 1920s. One person is responsible for changing the average person’s perception of beauty and appearance. Red carpet actors and actresses boast the newest fashion trends with avant garde outfits that are often considered ridiculous to the laymen and yet we would be lying to ourselves if we said we weren’t a bit jealous.

Last Wednesday, I went to “Making Strange” exhibition in Fowler Stranger of artist Vivan Sundaram. My first impression on the exhibition was a unique fashion that many mannequins were wearing. Most of garment designs were made from recycled materials and medical supplies such as hospital bandages, surgical masks or X-ray film. Some mannequins were dissembled in many broken parts and randomly painted with gray color, which actually gave me a sudden scare. The exhibition is a combination of two projects: Gagawaka and Postmortem.

I went to see the ‘Making Strange’ show on this Wednesday and it was definitely an eye opening experience. It is very interesting how Sundaram is pulling these semi-recycles semi-medical materials together with his value of aesthetics and meanings of life. I can see how Sundaram is really into human anatomy, but I’m also fascinated by how his angle of view the human bodily system and appreciate his cultural references.

The UCLA Art Science Undergraduate Society's mission statement is to bridge the divide between North and South campus as a group of students from all majors that creates science-inspired art. I had the pleasure of attending their spring art show of movement. 

It was really interesting to go visit this exhibit of mushrooms in a sort of throne room. Only two people were allowed to enter the exhibit at a time and tasty mushroom snacks were provided for all as we waited to enter. There were many people in the background pretending to be statues that seemed to be one with the actual piece. In the center, on a luxurious chair, was someone that seemed to be the mushroom queen.