Exploring the Invisible

A Wellcome Trust funded project Artist Anne Brodie, microbiologist Dr Simon Park and curator Dr Caterina Albano will be collaborating in researching the communication and light producing properties of bioluminescent bacteria outside of the usual confines of pure scientific practice. Over the course of 2009 we will develop a body of artwork based on less traditional scientifically quantifiable attributes; an alternative data collection based on subjectivity, emotion, playfulness and instinctive human enquiry.

Feb 3

Harvard bridge measures 364.4 smoots and 1 ear

A major influence on my work, including ‘Exploring the Invisible’ has been ‘Smoot’s Ear - the measure of humanity’ by Robert Tavernor, Professor of architecture and urban design and director of the Cities programe, London School of Economics.

In his book Tavernor urges us to look beyond the notion that measuring is strictly a scientific activity, divorced from human concerns. Instead, he sets measures and measuring in cultural context and shows how deeply they are connected to human experience and history.

Is the measurement of the importance of the bioluminescent bacteria only seen in quantifiable medical advancements, or is there also an important value in engaging with the bacterial light out side of a less scientific context?

Posted at 4:47pm

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