By: Joshua Uhlhorn
This past J-Term I had the opportunity to explore Italy and Spain along with Dr. Mann, Dr. Lopez, and Dr. Bailey. The class was officially called A Brief History of the Brain, but we usually referred to it as “The Brain in Spain.” This class first introduced the developing ideas humans have had with our own brains. However as the class transitioned overseas, the main focus seemed to shift. While in Italy and Spain, we were all in awe of the overwhelming amount of art and history within the landscape and architecture. During our trip we began to see how art and science intersected.
Our trip started in Milan, Italy after a long flight across the Atlantic ocean. In Milan, we were quickly introduced to the culture and iconicness of Italy’s fashion capital. A tour of the Duomo of Milan instantly showed the cultural impacts where religion, science, and art met. I still remember walking out of the subway looking up at the massive cathedral just a few feet in front of me. The towers and spirals seemed to stretch forever into the sky. Inside, we learned about the time and dedication it took artists and engineers to create a building that represented both the devotion and the technical skill of the designers.
Fast forward to my favorite city of the trip, Venice. And before you even ask, yes it was exactly like you see it in the movies. From the narrow winding streets to the famous canals, Venice is truly the most unique and iconic city in the world. Again, the best part of the trip was the historical walking tour of the city. Our guide explained the complex and long history of the city. From its original settling, to the forceful renovations from Napoleon, to the modern challenges the city now faces, Venice is a city that has seen it all. I found the palace of the Doge, the historical ruler of Venice, to be the most impressive building in the city. Room after room were covered wall to wall, including the ceilings, with incredibly detailed murals. Each painting depicted a different moment within the history of the city. Many even pictured the very rooms we were standing in filled with nobles and merchants.
From Venice we flew to Barcelona, Spain. Barcelona was a city that seemed to incorporate its identity into every aspect of itself. Sitting along the Mediterranean, the city embodied light and nature. This was most notable in the work of Antoni Gaudí, La Sagrada Familia. This cathedral is still in the process of being built. It was truly a strange intersection of modern building techniques meeting past architectural dreams. Using examples from the natural world surrounding the build site, Gaudí incorporated the shimmering light from the mediterranean and the unique lean of Plane trees common around the city to his plans.
Finally a train ride took us to Madrid, which was a perfect demonstration of the life and culture of Spanish people. Flamenco dancing and city plazas showed the passion people have for their way of life. The best part of Madrid was the famous Prado Museum. The works of art that spanned centuries demonstrated the mastery these artists had. This experience was one in a million and I will never forget it.
