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Science and Art in Place: inspirations, intersections, collaborations
Type of Session
Full Presentation Panel
Abstract
The idea of “place” is essential in Environmental Studies. A spatially defined area is a common notion of place, and such places differ from one another in important ways (history, culture, ecology, resources) that have implications for sustainability, resilience, and community wellbeing. Other concepts of place include the imaginary, the personal interior, and webs of relationships.
Among many approaches for exploring, imagining, and expressing ideas of place, art and science bring unique and complementary characteristics to this endeavor. Scientists typically strive for objectivity and repeatability and create descriptive bodies of work (data sets), while artists often strive for reaction and response, creating singular expressions of subjective experience. But they also share commonalities such as curiosity-driven investigation, creativity, experimentation, abstraction, and (often) tangibility that make partnerships fruitful. This session aims to highlight partnerships between scientists and artists interested in ideas of place. How do scientists and artists work together or take inspiration from one another to develop and communicate richer understandings? What are some of the challenges to artist and scientist collaborations, and how can place-centered work address those challenges?