27 October 2009

The art of science and the science of art

A fascinating new book containing the results of a two-year collaboration between scientists and artists at the University of Dundee that explores the visualisation of laboratory data will be launched later this week.

The launch event for the Designs for Life book, published by Dundee University Press, will be held in the Wellcome Trust Building at 4.30pm on Wednesday, October 28th.

Designs for Life, a beautifully written and designed hardback publication, presents some of the results and reflections on a two-year project which has been exploring the process of visualisation of laboratory data relating to aspects of cell and gene research.

Artists and laboratory scientists are often thought to be poles apart, but this publication dispels more than a few myths as it uncovers the beauty of the microscopic world.

Through a series of production collaborations and integrated public engagement the project has stimulated local and international debate at the confluence of science and visual culture.

The book features work and contributions from a range of participants and commentators including primary school children, senior citizens and cell biologists.

The project was conceived and directed by Paul Liam Harrison, an artist based at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design’s Visual Research Centre, who is also author/editor of the book. Paul, artist in residence with the Human Genome Organisation since 2001, has many years experience of combining art with cutting edge science.

'The scientists initially brought along lab books, photographs, disc images of microscopic data and other material that represents the work they are doing,' he explained.

'On one level it's a way of making science more accessible. Hopefully the works will provide 'a way in' to the underlying information contained within each work. Process is a big part of this. It is about revealing and discussing how visual practices are applied in both a scientific and arts context, which, to be honest, can both seem a bit of a mystery if you're neither a scientist or an artist.'

'The idea was to look at distinctions and similarities in process and how both disciplines can inform the other. There are so many similarities in terms of process, tools and materials. For example so much of the activity in both practices involves looking closely at shapes and forms, using lenses, photo based processes, digital software and print technologies.'

'The project highlights the function of arts practices as an effective tool for discussing complex issues and scientific material outwith a specialist arena.'

In this project, he worked alongside research scientists to develop, initially, new screen print outcomes based on images, data and information from their respective laboratory work.

The stunning results, including pieces created from cancer cells, embryonic stem cells, electron micrographs of human skin and time lapse movies of nuclear proteins, have featured in several major exhibitions and International conferences at venues including Dundee, New York, Hyderabad and Vilnius.

Some were influenced by popular culture with one piece presented in the format of a comic strip, another in the style of the front page of a tabloid newspaper. Some works are abstractions almost beyond recognition of their origin whilst others are literal re-representations of data in an alternative format.

Designs for Life was funded by the Wellcome Trust and supported by the University and Dundee City Council. Part of the project has involved an education programme with groups across the city.

More information on the project can be found at www.designsforlifeproject.co.uk. The book, which is accompanied by a multimedia DVD, costs £25. It can be purchased online at www.dup.dundee.ac.uk/ or through Amazon. It can also be bought At Borders bookstore, Gallagher Retail Park, Dundee.

For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277