Event 3: Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County

One of the most fascinating museums in Los Angeles, the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County has always been one of my favorites. Perhaps the most time-honored and cherished parts of the museum are the Dioramas. These incredibly life-like, picturesque scenes include gorgeous painted backdrops, sculpted rocks, trees, and other scenery, and of course, taxidermic animal specimen. The Museum has housed a full-time diorama program and display since the 1920s, and audiences of all ages continue to enjoy their beauty. Successful in providing viewers with a close up experience with animals in recreations of the natural habitats in which they were found, these dioramas proved essential in promoting species conservation, as many large mammals had become highly endangered beginning in the 1920s and onward.

The African savannah, complete with a painted backdrop, 3D natural features, and taxidermic animals.

The Dioramas feature a variety of animals and habitats from across the globe. The Natural History museum describes taxidermy as an art, stating that it is a commonly misunderstood medium. Simply put, the taxidermic process includes sculpting clay over an animal’s skeleton, and then stretching the skin over this lightweight mannequin. This process requires great artistic skill, as it is necessary to have an in-depth knowledge of the animal specimen’s anatomy combines with the ability to sculpt well. 

Dad enjoying the buffalo diorama.

Artistic design and technological use play a large role in creating these dioramas. Artistic placement of specimens, recreating habitat scenes, and developing ways in which to make the dioramas seem realistic require a degree of technological innovation. Plaster molds, texture patterns, and heat-pressed plastic combine to make a single leaf; clay, paint, and liquefied plaster create a large boulder. In viewing these dioramas, I was able to observe how art and technology are both vital parts to creating an artwork that transports the viewer to an entirely different world and time. 

What struck me the most about these dioramas was their ability to convey such a strong message about biodiversity and the importance of habitat and species conservation. For the first time, I was able to appreciate the way in which art combines with scientific knowledge in order to strongly express the necessity for both in order to better understand our changing world. These dioramas managed to reinforce one of my favorite concepts of DESMA 9: that the combination of art and science makes both areas infinitely more powerful when unified as a single culture. The dioramas at the Natural History Museum were for me a reminder or the beauty of the natural world, and how we must work to protect the life and biodiversity that is present in all habitats across the Earth.

This image depicts the edge of the African savannah diorama, with the walls of the museum visible behind it, effectively making the diorama seem accessible to the museum visitors.

The author and family enjoying a day at the Natural History Museum (taken in front of the entrance path). 

For fascinating words from diorama artists and historians from the Natural History museum and the process of creating these works of art, check out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f3WYnNV8Yic&list=SP37FA960FC8DA9259&index=11

Event Two: The Getty Center

Upon arriving at The Getty Center, it is easy to appreciate the beauty it contains. This beauty is evident not only in the magnificent works of art it houses, but also in the structure and design of the museum itself. Perhaps the most astounding feature of The Getty is The Central Garden, completed in 1997 by artist Robert Irwin. The 134,000 square-foot design features over 500 varieties of plants, and contains a natural ravine and several areas of grouped plants, such as the cactus garden. From above, the center hedges create a pattern that repeats “G” and “C” for Getty Center, as explained by a helpful tour guide. Looking at the beauty of the landscaping, it is easy to see why The Central Garden is a favorite spot among museum visitors

Overlook of The Central Gardens, with ariel views of the many different types of plants

The Central Gardens offer visitors with a unique interaction with art and nature. Visitors are invited to walk through the foliage and observe nature in action; it is possible to see small insects roaming around the flowers, to appreciate the beauty of different species of plants, and to observe the water feature and natural ravine. In addition, this unique design space offers guests the option of relaxing on the grass with a picnic lunch, all the while surrounded by the white marble of The Getty Center buildings and the brilliant green of The Central Gardens. The Central Gardens remind visitors of their interactions with both art and nature, and how these interaction become cherished and important features of our everyday lives.

Visitors of The Central Garden enjoy the beauty of The Central Gardens, which promote interaction with nature and artistic design.

But The Central Gardens are much more than a picturesque feature of The Getty Center. The gardens incorporate artistic design with environmental ideas. The cactus garden, for example, proves to be environmentally sound as the plants do not require much water. Many other California native plants make The Central Gardens environmentally friendly and can be sustained in the California climate. In an effort to be an example for water conservation, all water features in The Central Gardens have been turned off, declaring to visitors a message of water consumption mindfulness in the face of the California drought. The Central Gardens at The Getty Center helped me better understand the application of math to art, as features of the gardens, such as the central hedges or the spaces allotted for walkways and garden boxes, require careful mathematical planning in order to create a work of art. Additionally, the idea of two cultures is present in The Central Gardens; by combining aspects of environmental science and artistic design, it is evident that these gardens were successful in conveying ideas concerning science and art to the visitors who enjoy the outdoor area. The Central Gardens definitely influenced me in designing my final project: by being able to observe the way in which an artist made nature harmonious with man-made structures, I found inspiration for creating a project which would apply this concept to a variety of aspects of human society. The Central Gardens are a shining example of sustainability and promoting artistic design in nature.

The author at The Getty Center in front of a map and information about the events of the day.