Space is
one of the most fascinating, mysterious, and undiscovered places within our
world. It is a place that can only be mapped out by science fiction, as
exploration did not truly begin until the early 1960’s. What began as the Space
Race between the Soviets and the United States eventually led to a great
development in the understanding of the unknown. Over time, we have been able
to land individuals on the moon, send rovers and challengers to Mars, and have
equipment able to analyze planets, stars, and other objects in our Solar System
through technology.
This week I
learned that humans were not the first living beings to enter space; this honor
belongs to animals. These animals were used first by the Soviets to gauge
whether going into space would be suitable for humans. The first human to reach
space was Yuri Gagarian. Gagarian, a Russian Soviet, led the way for individual
exploration into the greater unknown. Gagarian’s trip to space eventually led
to the Apollo Space Shuttle Program, which after some major setbacks landed
Neil Armstrong on the moon on July 20th, 1969. This accomplishment
paved the way for space exploration, specifically with the moon and an eye
towards planetary exploration. 
The
synthesis between art and space has always been a fascinating thing to see. One of the more interesting examples of this
is Cosmic Dancer, a sculpture created
by Arthur Woods. Woods’ sculpture was intended to be the first in space and
integrate the world of art with outer space. The integration of space with this
sculpture allows for it to be viewed at zero gravity, where the base of the
sculpture is no longer keeping the sculpture set. Thus, the sculpture is
weightless and can be viewed from any angle. This idea and fulfilled initiative
furthered the combination of art with space.
This week’s
material on space and art reinforces the idea that art is used and combined in
everyday life; in fields of study and in the world we live. Space has allowed
art to expand within society to greater parts of this world never before realized,
where individuals can now look to space as a place for their art to be
envisioned.
"Apollo 11 Moon Landing Video, Neil Armstrong, We Choose to Go to
the Moon, JFK – July 20, 1969." The Story of America RSS. Web. 28 May
2016.
"Cosmic Dancer - a Space Art Intervention by
Arthur Woods." The Cosmic Dancer Project : Cosmic Dancer Introduction :
Arthur Woods. Web. 28 May 2016.
"Cosmic Dancer - a Space Art Intervention by Arthur Woods." The
Cosmic Dancer Project : Sculpture And Gravity : Arthur Woods. Web. 28 May 2016.
"Cultural Space Programme."
KSEVT. 2015. Web. 28 May 2016.
Dunbar, Brian. "Yuri Gagarin: First Man in Space." NASA. NASA,
2011. Web. 28 May 2016.
History.com Staff. "Apollo 11." History.com. A&E Television
Networks, 2010. Web. 28 May 2016.
"Neil Armstrong." Bio.com.
A&E Networks Television. Web. 28 May 2016.
The Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group.
Web. 28 May 2016.
It saddened me that so many lives were sacrificed as a result of space exploration. Although I do enjoy the findings that have preceded from the technological advances of space travel, I find it rather troubling the risks that we take in order to get to the next best thing. From animals, to humans, no lives should have to be put in jeopardy for the sake of space travel. Granted if it weren't for those lives taken, we would not be this far in technology or space travel. Essentially I am very conflicted with this week's topic.
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ReplyDeleteI've always been fascinated with space and the possibilities it can bring for us as humans and our future. I also like how you pointed out all that we've accomplished thus far. I pointed out that art and science fiction have helped push people's creativity and desire to get into space and other planets. However, I like how you pointed out the competitive side of the "Space Race." I also think that it's interesting that we haven't sent another human to the moon since. That being said, there are plenty of other explorations that could potentially change the way we view our own solar system.
ReplyDeleteI also thought the the revolution of the living creatures sent into space was interesting. Going from a dog to, to a monkey, to humans is fascinating because each one becomes smarter and smarter and has to carry on more responsibility during the actual flight. I thought you did a good job explaining the Cosmic Dancer. This is something that I had never heard. It is a truly remarkable and unique structure
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