Week 9: Space + Art

For all human beings, the space and beyond is always fascinating yet mysterious. We have spent countless efforts attempting to explore the universe and yet we still only know very little about it. For artists, the space is also an important subject as many seek to find the true meaning of life from the universe.

While the whole history of us exploring the universe is interesting, I find the concept of the space elevator particularly fascinating. A space elevator is a proposed space transportation system and consists of a cable anchored to the surface of the earth that extends into the universe. As we are still awed by the skyscrapers in Dubai and New York, the idea of building an elevator into the universe is pure magic. Besides, the space elevator could reduce the cost of transporting humans and materials into the universe significantly. If we were able to build the elevator, we must be one step closer to conquer the universe.

The proposed space elevator

The space has always been an important subject in art works. Largely unknown to us, the space is like a blank canvas where we can put our wildest imagination on. Artists also tend to explore the meaning of life from the universe. One of my favorite sci-fi movies, 2001 A Space Odyssey, discussed the topic of what humans positions are in the universe and what super smart A.I. means for us. 

The poster of the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey

With the improvement of technology, space travel and inhibiting outer space have been more possible than ever. Hopefully the day will come soon when everyone can afford to travel to the space and explore the universe.

Several private companies are exploring the possibility of commercializing space travel

Sources

Vesna, Victoria. “Space and Art: Part 2.” YouTube. YouTube, n.d. Web. 25 Dec. 2012.

Ghani, Mikal. “60,000 miles up: Space elevator could be built by 2035, says new study''” PRI. N.p., Dec 2016.

Howell, Elizabeth. “Wild Inflatable Space Elevator Idea Could Lift People 12 Miles Up''” Space.com. N.p., Oct 2013.

Ebert, Roger. “"2001" -- The Monolith and the Message''” IMDB. N.p., May 1999.

Lant, Karla. “SpaceX Just Broke a Major Milestone in Commercial Space Travel'” Futurism. N.p., May 2016.