Event Blog #2

Tunnel Entrance to the Second Level of The Broad

This blog details my recent trip to the Broad. I chose to visit because I believe that many of the works of modern art that are on exhibition are perfect examples of the use of machines to create art, as we have studied in this course. 

A photo of me with Ed Ruscha's "Boss" painting at The Broad

In Professor Vesna's third lecture from the robotics and art unit, she introduces Marshall McLuhan's idea that "the medium is the message." This is exactly how I felt about so many pieces I saw at The Broad.  One of my favorite pieces is the iconic "Balloon Dog," part of Jeff Koons' "Celebration" collection. Koons is known for using technology to aid in the creation of his art, noting that "we had to use machines to make this work" (CBS). Koons has consistently pushed the boundaries of technology to create his art, such as using thousands of live flowers to make a sculpture of a puppy, using a complex internal irrigation system. Most of his pieces would not be possible to create without the use of technology and machines. 

"Balloon Dog" by Jeff Koons

Another artist known for using technology in his art is none other than Andy Warhol. Famous for his use of photo-emulsion silkscreen prints, Warhol created pop art of many celebrities and persons of interest. My favorite of his pieces at The Broad is his depiction of Elizabeth Taylor, a colorful and striking portrait. Warhol is one of the first artists to use this kind of technology, and is a perfect example of how art has developed along with technology in its growing complexity. 

Warhol's "Liz"



I really enjoyed my time at The Broad, especially after learning from this course about the technology that makes this type of art possible! I would recommend my peers check it out while at UCLA-- (it's free admission!)

References

1. “Jeff Koons Explains Role of Technology in Creating His Art | 60 Minutes - CBS News.” Www.cbsnews.com, 21 May 2023, www.cbsnews.com/news/jeff-koons-lengthy-art-process-60-minutes-2023-05-21/.

2. Vesna, Victoria. Robotics and Art Lectures: Part 3 (Via BruinLearn).  

3. “Warhol Women | Elizabeth Taylor - Lévy Gorvy.” Www.levygorvy.com, 19 Apr. 2019, www.levygorvy.com/happenings/warhol-women-elizabeth-taylor/.

Images

 All images from Jessica Pate's May 2024 trip to The Broad. 

 






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