HEY THERE DAVINCI – I WANNA DRAW CADAVERS TOO.

So – science and art.  Does this really seem like a stretch?? Monday in class Keri mentioned the sense of separation between art and science these days and how this hasn’t always been true.  I’m going to take the position that I don’t find this necessarily true.  I understand her point of how artists of the day were also practicing scientists and vice versa and although job titles have changed the corolation between science and art is what I would consider at its prime.  Let me just mention Anna Atkins and daVinci here as a side bar for references of the past.  What was mentioned in class pertaining to this historical factor is true, our current view of how science and art interconnect is now wrapped up in multi-media and projected more sub-consciously to the unsuspecting viewer.  With models dressed in lab coats posing for Nivea hand lotion portraying who they’re not and boasting a product that also may not be living up to all that it proclaims.  (I should note here that I actually don’t know that much about lotions and potions.  I actually have Nivea Visage Rich Moisturizing Day Care  – with skin’s own Hydramine and Aloe Vera - lotion in my bag right now.  I think it’s supposed to be for my face but working outside a lot lately I also find it soothing on hands, feet and lips.  I only paid too much money for this product because I appreciated the packaging and wanted my money to support what I considered good design – yes, this was conscientious…though generally, I just buy what’s on sale and terrible me – whatever’s cheapest.) BACK TO THE SCIENCE OF IT ALL AND AWAY FROM THE COSMO CARRIE. 

Thinking about science and art I picked up on something that I have actually been noticing for the past few months (since about August actually).  There is a bit of a scandal with Public Health Ontario and the release of the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine (Gardasil TM).  This is a vaccine of some controversy in the public for various reasons but it is also a vaccine that the government of Ontario thinks is beneficiary for young girls.  From reports I’d heard earlier (although currently denied on the Public Health website) the benefits that this vaccine protects against is also equally protective against sexually transmitted diseases with boys.  For financial or social purposes this opportunity for young men is currently not available though.  The interesting part of this story is where the art of it all comes in.  Because there has been such debate about the safety, appropriateness and necessity of this vaccine it would almost appear that the Public Health Department bought a boat load of this Gardasil product and can’t move it off it’s shelves.  There have been and continue to be excessive amounts of advertising for this product via radio, television, newspapers, flyers, magazines, Internet.  Because this is essentially a product being distributed (though not solely) by the government, the wall of advertising over time starts to come across as propaganda.  There is a fine line apparently between advertising to try to make a product such as this popular, accepted and used and a sheer hard sell of force feeding.  This campaing for Gardasil TM is being aimed not only to the young people but also towards the parents of these ”at risk” youths. 

It is so difficult to navigate your way around the world of science and art.  It is exhausting trying to figure out why you know what you know about a product, who told you?, why they would tell you?, do you need it???, have you ever needed it??, why do other people think you need it?  It comes as no surprise that the general public doesn’t give this subject much consideration.  It is exhausting.  If you seriously thought about why you want a drink? what will you drink? will you drink cola? what is cola made of? why are Pepsi and coke the leading  brands? how are they different? why are they different? what ethics do they portray? why do they advertise their product like they do? who are they trying to sell to? why would they choose that demographic?  why would they choose television over print? does that choice reflect environmental concerns?  do these environmental concerns need to be in your thoughts while considering what you want to drink?  why does Brock only sell Pepsi cola in plastic bottles?  isn’t plastic made from oil?  does this relate to the fact that gas prices are a $1.04 today?  for god’s sake – am i still thirsty?????   (trust me the quesetions could go on and they will)

-’til next time

~ by Carrie Perreault on November 29, 2007.