MedTech + Art

There seems to be no connections between art and medicine. However, this week’s lecture helps me realize the various ways that medical technology inspires art.

As Professor Vesna mentioned in her lecture, lots of painters, including Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn and Leonardo da Vinci, explored human dissection to find out the secrets regarding shapes of the human body, in order to make their works vivid and lively.

I read many stories of Leonardo da Vince when I was in high school. He is not only a typical artist but also a genius scientist during Renaissance. Although he is best known for his paintings, his study of the human anatomy is also of great value. One of his most well known masterpieces is called “Uomo Vitruviano”. Moreover, in the book named Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist, I observed a lot of different anatomic drawings by him. All the anatomic sketches are incredibly detailed which depicts the science underlying his artworks, further illustrating the indispensable connection between science and art. I suppose from Leonardo’s perspective, the study of human anatomy and the creation of art complement each other and he indeed gained inspirations from both of them.

Another example I want to discuss is furniture design. In order for furniture to have utility, artists have to closely study Anthropometry, a study refers to the measurement of the human individual, and Human Engineering when they create and design. They are relevant in designing safe and beautiful furniture. Art makes furniture more aesthetically attractive and unique, while medical technology makes it comfortable and useful.

Citations:

Vesna, Victoria, dir. Human body & Medical technologies. Film. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ep0M2bOM9Tk>.

da Vinci, Leonardo. Uomo Vitruviano. N.d. Painting. n.p. Web. <http://www.artseri.com/index.php?cPath=59_32>.

da Vinci, Leonardo. The Foetus in the Womb. N.d. Painting. n.p. Web. <http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2137367/Leonardo-da-Vinci-Anatomist-exhibition-Buckingham-Palace.html>.

Clayton, Martin. Leonardo da Vinci: Anatomist. 1st. Royal Collection Trust, Print.

Fehling, Yvonne, and Jennie Peiz. Stuhlhockerbank. N.d. Photograph. n.p. Web. <http://flavorwire.com/333569/10-contemporary-artists-who-use-furniture-as-a-medium/>.