Week 9 | Space + Art
The final frontier. Through the content of this week, it's the evolution of our understanding and use of space demonstrates an intimate relation with humanity and art.
Space was first correctly understood when Aristarchus of Samos, a an ancient Greek astronomer and mathematician, went against his colleagues at the time and claimed that the sun, not Earth, was the center of the universe. [1] This claim, that was later proven, shaped the forever shaped human illustration of space and is reminiscent of Week 2 content where Galileo used details drawing of the moon to prove that it was not smooth.
Skipping the renaissance era, the relevance of space spiked again as the Russia sent the first man-made object, Sputnik, into space during the cold war era. This achievement led to space race and ultimately cemented space as a permanent part of humanity. Thinking about this in relation to media, I look none other that one episode of Friends where Ross dresses up as spud with antenna's and calls himself SPUD-nik. [2] It's clear that such an accomplishment, and the subsequent space race, has had a profound influence on media for decades.
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| Figure 1. It's a Bad Idea to be Spudnik at Halloween |
For example, the first dog that was sent into space, Laika, has been an inspiration to artists who attempt to portray her bravery. Some even go as for to use her portrait for their brand such as specific brand of cigarettes that was sold in Europe in conjunction with Sputnik 2. [3]
Another example of Space and art is the Monument of Yuri Gagarin, a soviet cosmonaut and the first human in space! Inspired by her accomplishment, this statue towers at 141 feet high in Gagarina Square with striated columns that culminates into his powerful figure watching over the Earth. [4]
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| Figure 2. Monument of Yuri Gagarin |
Lastly, the exploration of space, and subsequent space war, can be best represented artistically through the cartoon none other than the "The Jetsons." Following a typical nuclear family, "The Jetsons" was a model American family in the future with very few social or political concerns as they represent a mix of techno-utopianism and Cold War fears. [5]
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| Figure 3. The Jetsons Title Slate from 1962 |
Though space has always influenced art, the more modern accomplishments have brought more to the table than just drawings and sculptures of space. Space has inspired waves of hope for a technologically advanced society that perhaps may unify humanity. From cartoons, to sculptures, to literature, Space literally has a limitless influence on the world that it inhabits from math, to politics, and of course, to art.
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Hi Benny! I enjoyed reading about all the examples and representations of space in the artistic world. I remember watching the Friends episode when I was younger and not fully grasping what Sputnik was, so it is cool to look back now when I do understand the importance of Sputnik being launched into space. I agree that it is interesting for me to think about how space will influence technology in the future years to come.
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