Week 9: Space + Art

Space: The Final Frontier for Mankind and Art?
http://allaboutcomputer2000.blogspot.com/2012/04/45-stellar-space-art-wallpapers.html

Once humanity realized we are not the center of the universe, we began our journey into understanding space. We are curious--and perhaps fearful--about the unknown and wonder what it can offer to us. Space's influence in our society is prominent, explaining why quotes such as "shoot for the moon; even if you miss, you'll land among the stars" and "the sky's the limit" are always said as words of encouragement to motivate people to dream big and aim high. But does space truly represent the final frontier for art and humanity?

Us vs. Them: Who will prevail?
http://www.paolacasoli.com/2014/12/space-race-propaganda-usa-vs-urss-a-matter-of-posters/

Aside from Antarctica, we claim and inhabit all of Earth's continents. The Cold War marked the beginning of the space race between the United States and the now-defunct USSR, sparking and increase in STEM-related courses in school as well as increased funding for scientific and technological pursuits. Art during this time, as it relates to space, was all propaganda-related. There is no doubt art was strongly politicized during this time to instill fear that the enemy could prevail, which then sparked nationalistic sentiment the nation could use to its advantage. Regardless of whether this was a good use of art, it is clear art--in conjunction with scientific and technological advances made during this time--had a powerful influence in swaying public opinion. 

Digital art created by Tobais, who uses lots of his own photography when making his digital pieces
http://design.tutsplus.com/articles/40-mind-blowing-digital-space-paintings--psd-2020

As our technology continues to improve, so does art. Now that we are able to create works of art using Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, etc., art is becoming digitized. What has not changed, however, is using space as a subject for this art. I would argue that portraying space has improved due to the advent of digital art, for artists can now create the ethereal effects and vibrant colors they otherwise would not have been able to do in the past. Perhaps, then, space is not the final frontier for art. Rather, it is only the beginning of "some cosmic purpose," as Carl Sagan would say, that will "let us find ourselves a worthy goal" to pursue. 

Sources
"Carl Sagan - A Universe Not Made for Us." haveabit.com. Web.
Casoli, Paula. "Space Race Propaganda: US v. USSR. A Matter of Posters." Web.
Grey, C.G.P. "Who Owns Antarctica? (Bizarre Borders Part 3)." YouTube. Web.
Holmes, Brian. "Makrolab, or the art of transition." Web.
Vesna, Victoria. "Space pt. 1-6." Lecture. Web.