Changing Perspectives is a series of free public exhibitions, talks, workshops and performances that explores the fascinating connections between art and science. We’ll be seeing what happens when fiction meets cell biology, when glass-blowing meets virology, when chaotic systems meet crochet and when medicine meets art.
The Changing Perspectives exhibition at the Grant Bradley Gallery [1 St Peter’s Court, Bedminster Parade, BS3 4AQ, Saturday 26 March until Saturday 30 April 2011] will offer a vibrant display of art inspired by the life sciences and medicine, including medical student and patient reflections, biomedical research images as art, an installation of research-inspired fiction, and chances for you to share your perspectives on the body.
The exhibition includes internationally-renowned artist Luke Jerram’s glass sculptures of virus particles, and a life-sized, glowing and pulsating glass brain from artist Richard Box. Connections to neuroscience and cell biology appear again through a network of knitted neurons, and a stunning series of artistic research images, taken by scientists in the University’s Faculty of Veterinary and Medical Sciences. The human side of the life sciences and medicine is explored through science-inspired fiction from Bristol-based author Tania Hershman, and through sensitive and moving reflections on life as a medic from University of Bristol medical students.
This is followed by a second exhibition of art inspired by the physical sciences and mathematics.
The Changing Perspectives exhibition at the Bristol Gallery [Millennium Promenade, Harbourside, BS1 5TY, Friday 1 April until Saturday 30 April 2011] will explore the complex worlds of mathematics, physics and physical geography through a stunning range of sculpture, drawings, film and animation, and photography. The exhibition will feature work by Emma Stibbon, mathematicians Hinke Osinga and Bernd Krauskopf, sculptor Benjamin Storch, photographer and film-maker Chrystal Cherniwchan and scientific glass artist, Richard Box.
The accompanying talks and workshops bring together the perspectives of artists and scientists on topics such as ‘Fragility’, ‘Inspired engineering’, ‘Where art meets medicine’ and an open mic night of ‘science-inspired fiction’.
Maggie Leggett, Head of the University’s Centre for Public Engagement, said: “Changing Perspectives offers members of the public a chance to get involved with an exciting series of events which explore the relationships between art and science.
“Staff and students at the University of Bristol have long pursued science-art conversations and collaborations as a way to open up new ways of thinking about their work. The results of those collaborations are often exciting, authentic and moving pieces of art. By sharing that work and those conversations with the public, we want to see what new ideas might emerge and to spark new insights for all.”
The event has been organised by the University of Bristol’s Centre for Public Engagement, with funding from the Institute of Physics [IOP] and support and contributions of students, academics and artists from within and outside the University.
All Changing Perspectives events are free and open to the public. Booking details for events are available on the Changing Perspectives website.
For further information on the event contact the University’s Centre for Public Engagement, tel: +44 (0)117 33 18318, cpe-info@bristol.ac.uk or visit the Changing Perspectives website or the programme.