Event 2

Griffith Observatory

Griffith Observatory was a great place to visit, both as a non-native Los Angeles resident (the view of the Hollywood sign is breathtaking), and also as a student in this course. The purpose of the art in this instance is to make the science of space for easily understood by the everyday observer (Carolyn). It is one of the kinds of space and art crossovers we touched on in week nine, art
about space opposed to art in space (Vesna). It is an amazing opportunity to have such a large vessel of space and art combined so close to us to enjoy.

It is unique as an art exhibit because people all have such different feelings about space. For some it is frightening, not knowing what is in the great beyond, whereas for others it is an experience of clarity, being able to see such vast concepts so close; the later was the case for the namesake of the Observatory (Howell). After looking through a telescope, Griffith said, "if everyone could look through that telescope it could change the world (Griffith)." I found the experience to be a bit of both, moving me from what I saw, but also reminding me how little we know about our space. I thought that this response should be something more artists strive for: creating an emotional connection with the observer and causing them to think or question the status quo. The following video explains how one artist, a composer, uses his craft to add a layer to the space and art marriage (Gettell).

Sources:

"Carolyn's Tour of the Griffith Exhibits." Carolyn's Tour of the Griffith Exhibits. Web. 7 June 2015. 

Gettell, Oliver. "'Time's Up' Ticks into Future at Griffith Observatory Planetarium." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 29 May 2012. Web. 7 June 2015.  

"Griffith Observatory." Official Site: Los Angeles, CA. Web. 7 June 2015.  

Howell, Elizabeth. "Griffith Observatory: Astronomy for the Public | Space.com." Web. 7 June 2015.

Vesna, Victoria. "Unit 9 | Space + Art." Lecture. 2012