Finding connections: Artist Rebecca Kamen bridges the gap between science and art
If you think art and science are incompatible, you need only experience the art and lectures of sculptor Rebecca Kamen to conclude otherwise. Currently serving as Artist in Residence in the Computational Neuroscience Initiative and Department of Physics and Astronomy at the University of Pennsylvania, Kamen has the unique ability to translate static scientific phenomena and data into dynamic art, making it visually accessible to the wider community while revealing new insights into scientific knowledge.
Using such media as rare scientific books and manuscripts at the libraries of the American Philosophical Society, the Science History Institute and the Cajal Institute in Madrid, Kamen has made a home for herself at the intersection of art and science. She’s given lectures on the topic around the world, simultaneously producing thought-provoking sculpture to widespread acclaim.
“An active sense of scientific inquiry contributes insight and inspiration for the creation of my art, and provides a visual voice for sharing distinct observations revealed through nature. It also fosters an ongoing, multidisciplinary dialogue, establishing new avenues and innovative ways of seeing unique relationships between art and science.”
From expressing the classic Table of Elements in three-dimensional Mylar forms to creating black holes via wire sculptures for the 100th anniversary of Einstein’s discovery of general relativity, Kamen’s work inspires on many levels. She looks forward to further opportunities for linking art and science during her visit to the UofM, which begins Monday, September 24th. Kamen will give a workshop at the Bannatyne campus from 9am to 11:30am on “Visualizing Scientific Concepts Through Sculpture”. Next is a lecture at noon: “The Butterfly Effect: Cajal as Catalyst”, followed by a free lunch reception.
Rebecca Kamen’s Full Event Schedule for Sept. 24 – 28, 2018 includes:
Monday, September 24, 2018 – “Science Inspired: Visualizing Scientific Concepts through Sculpture,” 9-11:30am, 204 Brodie Centre, Bannatyne campus, Neuroscience Network. The workshop is free, but space is limited. Please register by following the link: https://goo.gl/forms/aV2AHgvE6GzeiPMd2
Monday, September 24, 2018 – “The Butterfly Effect: Cajal as Catalyst,” 12-1pm, Theatre B, Basic Medical Sciences Building, followed by a free lunch reception.
Tuesday, September 25, 2018 – “Making the Invisible, Visible: Discoveries Between Art & Science” Faculty of Science, Homecoming Luncheon, for Alumni and Friends, 12-1pm, Marshall McLuhan Hall.
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 -“Science Inspired: Visualizing Scientific Concepts through Sculpture,” an Art-Science workshop for scientists, co-facilitated by Reva Stone, Recipient of Canada Council’s Governor General’s Award for Visual and Media, artist in residence, Faculty of Fine Arts, 10-1pm, St. John’s Common Room. The workshop is free, but space is limited. Please register by following the link: https://goo.gl/forms/aV2AHgvE6GzeiPMd2
Wednesday, September 26, 2018 – “Patterned Perceptions: Discoveries Between Art, Science, and Indigenous Cultures,” 2:30-4pm, 202 St. John’s College.
Thursday, September 27, 2018 – “Public Lecture: Holding Einstein’s Brain” 4-6pm, Robert Schultz Lecture Theatre, St. John’s College.
Friday, September 28, 2018 – MB Culture Days “Artist’s talk/discussion with Reva Stone, – Science as a Material to Inform Creative Practise,” 7-9pm – facilitated by Seema Goel, Manitoba Craft Council, 329 Cumberland, includes reception.
For a full account of her schedule, please go to the following link: http://www.sci.umanitoba.ca/rebecca-kamen/
