Scott Huh DESMA9 Event 1: Symposium

On Friday, April 21^st, I attended the “Eco-Centric Art + Science: Prophesies and Predictions” symposium. Out of the multitude of speakers at the symposium, the one I found most intriguing was Charles Taylor. His presentation was about the interactive installation, Bird Song Diamond. The purpose of this presentation was to help us experience the world from a bird’s perspective, which in turn, allows us to fit in better and understand the larger part of our environment. When you look into a diamond, you see many different reflections. Charles Taylor’s intentions with using the diamond was that each reflection reflects different disciplines interacting together through shared interests. These disciplines include artificial intelligence, technology, art, and engineering.

The part of the presentation that interested me the most was how computer scientists and electrical engineers work with artists to create figures that combine data collected in the environment. More specifically, these engineers were able to link the birds’ different phrases with the intentions of their songs. This reinforces Vesna’s lecture about how art and science juxtapose through the continuing advancement in technology. The intention of Taylor’s research was to have people experience the world as a bird and to understand the birds’ perspective in a more comprehensive way. Through this, more people will have a better understanding of the degenerating environment, which does not come from research papers and textbooks.

Throughout this course, the lecture that caught my eye was the one about the gap between science and art being bridged by new technology. With computers and the programs that modern technology offers, scientists are able to utilize these programs to collaborate with artists. Just like the diamond that Taylor talks about, through shared interests, these diverging disciplines are able to become one. I am glad that I chose to attend this symposium because I found the topic that has completely changed my perspective about art, and I will be designing my midterm around it.

So, my fellow classmates, if you want to broaden your perspective and further reinforce your knowledge about art and science together, I highly recommend you attend this symposium.