Event #4

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Extra credit event 
Pattriana Perry

 I attended the event "Vivarium : A Place Of Life". The installation studies the "interactions within an ecosystem, from the movement of matter and energy to the community created by the living and nonliving organisms" (Maru Garcia). This network of interactions is captured in the macroscopic and microscopic level through time, as an attempt to scale what it means to be part of a larger ecosystem: the Earth. The exhibition consisted of two biospheres, both contained mosses, plants, and mushrooms in it. The difference was that one of the biospheres had an actor in it, who was part of the installation. The actor interacted with the plants inside by turning his head, drinking water and eating plants. I found it interesting to see him eating the plants. I wondered how it tastes.  I saw him before he went inside the biosphere, and he took off his shirt and shoes. Then had to get on his knees in order to fit inside the biosphere. I asked him if it hurt to sit in the position for a while and he said " No, you get used to it. I also take breaks when I need it." I was glad to hear his response because I worried he was being overworked. 


Furthermore, Maru Garcia is part of the emergence of the third culture and what Professor Vesna describes as someone “uniquely positioned in the middle of scientific and literary/philosophical communities,” because she uses her background in STEM to develop art to showcase her love and appreciation for nature, which makes her at the forefront of an "atmosphere of collaboration and mutual respect" between artists and scientists (Vesna 122). She uses her understanding of chemistry and drew inspiration from the 18thcentury botany cabinets to developed two biospheres to showcase at the event.  
The event was super short so I found it hard to write this blog. I was really confused at the event and I had to go do some research to help me understand in more depth. Furthermore, the research helped me a lot. Although the event was super short, I still enjoyed it. I found myself to be very interested in it. I was blown away by Garcia's creativity and cleverness. I would definitely recommend people attend this event. They also had some yummy snacks and drinks. I think it was the best chips and salsa I ever had. I am also a big wine drinker so I was happy they provided us with some. Of course, you have to be 21 and up to drink so bring your IDs. Overall, it was an awesome event.
References 
Vesna, Victoria. “Toward a Third Culture: Being In Between.” Leonardo, vol. 34, no. 2, 2001, pp. 121–125., doi:10.1162/002409401750184672.


Vesna, Victoria. “Biotechnology and Art.” DESMA 9: Art, Science, and Technology. Lecture.
“VIVARIUM: A PLACE OF LIFE.” COLLECTIVE BREAD DIARIES: A TASTE OF PROTEST | UCLA Art | Sci Center + Lab, 1 Jan. 1970, artsci.ucla.edu/node/1389.

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