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Extra Credit Event Two | Intersex: Beyond the Binary

Today, I attended the symposium held in Royce Hall regarding intersex children and medical interventions after birth. Among the guest speakers was a woman, whom will be the main presenter I discuss in this blog, by the name of Georgiann Davis, a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Her perspective, being an intersex person herself, is valuable in our understanding of the intersex community and their opinions on highly debated topics regarding medical practices today. Being a double major in Gender Studies and Anthropology, I found these issues to be relevant to my field of study. 

Flyer provided at the event

One of the main focal points for the discussion was the ethics of medically intervening in the anatomies of intersex children to conform their genitalia to one sex. This brings forth the issue of the gender and sex binary. In this case, we are discussing more the sex binary that is present and influences the doctors of today. The idea of there only being two sexes, male and female, and what those should look like has been normalized to the point where any deviation becomes a trait to be looked down on, causing those with intersex traits to often feel embarrassed or ashamed. Davis, being an intersex person, discussed how she felt shame after discovering the medical records that revealed her intersex status. She advocated for the banning of medical intervention in intersex cases and full disclosure to the individual once they can understand their situation. I completely agreed with everything that Davis had to say during her presentation. I believe that conforming genitalia to the assumed gender based on chromosomal characteristics should be shied away from in today's medical practices. Like Davis, I think that persons with intersex traits should be made full aware of their status and decide on their own if they wish to seek medical attention in any way, shape, or form. Below is the image of "Genderbread Person," which illustrates the spectrum of sex, sexuality, and gender identity. The question of medical interventions in intersex patients is an ongoing debate that should be continually addressed so everyone can come to some sort of understanding.

Panelists (Davis on far right)

"Genderbread" Person 

Works Cited

"Breaking through the Binary: Gender Explained Using Continuums." It's Pronounced Metrosexual. N.p., n.d. Web. 08 June 2017

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Extra Credit Event | Review Session

I attended the review session for suggestions about the final paper as well as the compilation of blogs. This session was very helpful for pinpointing exactly what it is I need to do to prepare for the final materials. Here is a list of the pointers and facts I took note of.

Blog Summary:

- Due June 9 by midnight
- Include pictures
- Blog posts chronologically // events at the end
- Combine blogs into one pdf (may revise any)
- 300-500 word summary // be specific
- Summarize core concepts
- Specificity is key

Final Paper:

- Due June 11 by midnight
- 1500-2000 words
- 5-10 images
- 10 references, 20 in bibliography
- MLA format of references
- Header in upper left corner
- Connect a scientific innovation with to an artist who works with the same subject
- Explain the technology that drives both art and science
- References in order of when they appear in paper
- Connect the topic of your choosing to your major

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Week Nine | Space & Art

The pioneering of space in the 1960s sparked a wide range of art to be created. These ranged from cinema and entertainment to art exhibits. A series of television shows and movies were created after the expansion of space exploration. Some of these creations became extremely popular, such as The Jetsons and Star Trek. One of the television shows, titled Lost in Space, was created in 1965, years before Armstrong walked on the moon. This series was an imaginative depiction of what the universe may hold and the adventures of a family exploring the unknown.

Following humans having the technology to more widely explore space, the element of zero gravity inspired many works of art. Kathleen Forde wrote about the variety of exhibits that are organized through this main idea. There is everything from performers portraying weightlessness in video or through public water tanks. The exhibit's main focus centered on the idea of transcendence as well as gravity and zero gravity. The ways that zero gravity is displayed through art is very interesting and ways we would not typically consider being related to weightlessness or zero gravity. It is amazing that space was used to inspire such pieces of art.

The ways that space and the exploration of it has influenced art is truly interesting. Applications of the elements of space to art proves just how versatile art can be.

Dancing on the Ceiling piece

Jill Greenberg Glass Ceiling 

Lost in Space cast

"Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity Curated by Kathleen Forde : EMPAC Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center : Troy, NY USA." Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity Curated by Kathleen Forde : EMPAC Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center : Troy, NY USA. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2017.

"Glass Ceiling." ClampArt. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 June 2017.

"Lost in Space (TV Series 1965–1968)." IMDb. IMDb.com, n.d. Web. 02 June 2017. 

Goldberg, Lesley. "'Lost in Space' Reboot Scores 10-Episode Series Order at Netflix." The Hollywood Reporter. N.p., 29 June 2016. Web. 02 June 2017. 

"Dancing on the Ceiling: Art & Zero Gravity at EMPAC." Art & Education. N.p., n.d. Web. 02 June 2017.

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Event Three | Hammer Museum

The Hammer Museum, located right in Westwood, holds the perfect example of technology's influence on art.

At the entrance of the museum, there was a vibrant exhibit (depicted below). The exhibit is centered around environmental sustainability, displaying the phrases "Water Is Life," "Tierra y Tiberad," and "Mni Wiconi." The vibrant colors, variation in font, and creative placement of the words drew me to this exhibit. I thought that the mix of colors against the black background made the piece especially appealing to the eye and attracted my attention. All three of the phrases are made of cardboard and lit up by LED lights. Combining the factor of lighting technology made the piece all the more intriguing.

Me in front of the "Water is Life" Exhibit 

Description of the project 

The display at the Hammer Museum reminded me of the Museum of Neon Art (MONA). This museum, packed with art lit up in neon colors, is the perfect example of the combination between art and technology. The bright colors draw attention to the work and offer a new take on art. It is an interesting break from flat pieces will duller shades. The way the words and phrases have a three-dimensional quality to them make observing the pieces an exciting experience different from most museum visits. I really enjoyed my visit to Hammer and, after exploring other art incorporating light, would love to go MONA one day as well.

Piece from the MONA (Museum of Neon Art)

"HATS OFF TO HOLLYWOOD." M O N A. N.p., n.d. Web. 03 June 2017.