Press Release
UNFOLDING REALITIES presented the work of 20 MA Art and Science graduates at Central Saint Martins. Since its inception in 2011 this pioneering course, the first of its kind, has provided a unique global platform for students across a wide range of fields, on which they extend and contribute to the expanding interdisciplinary branch of knowledge – Art and Science. Responding to this fast-emerging territory for collaborative practice which redefines creativity across disciplines, UNFOLDING REALITIES practitioners from fine art, design, photography, neuroscience, art history, mathematics, choreography and architecture had been inspired by their individual connections and observations of the world and the challenge of interrogating this beyond disciplinary boundaries.
To accompany Central Saint Martins Degree Show One, students hosted a one-day symposium to explore the future of interdisciplinary practice, with guest speakers Rachel Armstrong, Oron Catts and Rob la Frenais, plus talks by graduating MA Art and Science students.
Historically artists were often polymaths, but over time – as fine art schools have become academised and deeper specialisms defined – areas that used to be perceived as within the artistic domain are more commonly occupied by scientists and technologists.
As the need continues to grow for multi-faceted solutions to ever-complex problems, there is an increasing call for alternative approaches to enquiry. Artists are encouraged to work alongside other practitioners in order to develop answers to difficult issues.
On this day of talks, activities and discussions, the Class of 2016 explored fundamental questions relating to the future of innovation and knowledge through interdisciplinary practices.
Panel 1: Stephanie Wong on embodied cognition, Aleksandra Borys on the overview effect and Marta Pinilla on the metaphor of folding.
Panel 2: Julius Colwyn on ecologies of thought, Silvia Krupinska on local nature and Mellissa Fisher with Dr Mark Clements on growth and form.
Chaired by:
- Heather Barnett
- Nathan Cohen