In this film, I learned that radiolaria are microscopic, single-cell, oceanic plankton, that have a network of branching pseudopods that engulf and absorb tiny prey. They absorb silica and extrude it to create a unique, radial skeletal structure, which inspired their radial name. They are within the kingdom Protist, whose name is derived from the Proteus, a Greek god of rivers and oceans, who is known for changing his shape. He is mutable and capable of assuming many forms, which is fitting for radiolaria since it can assume many forms. This subject matter was most intriguing to Haeckel because he was both interested in the scientific, biological and evolutionary aspects of radiolaria as well as the artistic forms that they appeared in. His interest in both the scientific and artistic aspects of biology was intriguing to me, especially as someone who also has interests in both STEM and art. His appreciation of visual arts allowed him to further appreciate and record in detail the radiolaria as he describes them as girds, nets, stars, bowls, helmets, houses, towers, etc. He appreciates the aesthetic and pleasing shapes of the radiolaria as well as their scientific importance.
This film reminded me that art is everywhere and exists in everything from nature, science, technology and more. The principles and elements of art including unity, contrast, repetition, line, form, color, are seen everywhere, but it takes a keen eye and interest to find the art and beauty in everyday things, even subjects like science that may seem far from creative and artistic.
I’ve found Haeckel’s evolution theory interesting as it claims that evolution grows upward and is self organizing, so that it is an endless cycle of the refinement of structure. I agree with this because it suggests that no creature or life form is ever in its final state; its form can keep changing and adapting to its environment. I interpret this theory such that nature is a never ending artistic process that constantly changes and is redesigned to adapt. This is similar to the design process in art – a product or a design can keep changing to fit criteria or circumstances to achieve value, efficiency, purpose, aesthetics, and beauty.