Art and Science Short Course
Course description
Course overview
This exciting 5-week course explores how artists interpret and use environmental data as an artistic material.
Students gain an insight into the analysis of datasets and learn how to interrogate these sources and reinterpret them from their scientific origins to more expressive communication media. Types of data may include biodiversity indexes and sea surface temperatures.
During the course, students engage in a combination of lectures, seminar reading groups, data analysis, practical exercises and collaborative projects to build their knowledge. Technical demonstrations help to outline various forms of data visualisation and transformation.
The course aligns with increased climate concerns and equips students with the ability to access and assess relevant data. The aim is to help students develop skills that will enable them to raise awareness of environmental issues through artistic forms.
By the end of the course, students will have worked in a collaborative team to create a proposal for an environmental data artwork project. This will include a research pack, a project breakdown and prototype tests of data visualisation / transformation etc.
Please note that students will be required to read 1 key text to be discussed per seminar. During the collaborative project phase students will be expected to contribute 2 - 3 hours for independent development.
Who this course is for
This 5-week evening course is aimed at artists and designers who are concerned about the global environmental situation and want to address these issues within their practice. It would be an excellent fit for individuals who thrive in collaborative settings and want to explore interdisciplinary ways of working.
Students may already be working or could be looking to develop new skills between a bachelor's and a master's degree. There is some scope for students who are preparing for an undergraduate degree. No previous experience is required.
Key information
Topics covered
- Environmental data literacy
- History of data-art practices
- Data visualisation techniques
- Methods of artistic data interpretation
- Project proposal writing
Learning outcomes
- An ability to read environmental data
- An awareness of how artists have used this type of data material through the late 20th and early 21st century
- Relevant research skills
- Learnt how to articulate a multifaceted project in the form of a proposal document
- Experience of working in an interdisciplinary team that draws upon their prior experience and technical skills
- Digital badge and certificate of attendance
Materials
Required materials:
- Laptop (please ensure you have Chrome or Firefox browser installed)
- Notebook and pen
Recommended materials:
- For sessions 3 and 4, you may wish to bring the materials of creative practice which you usually use, e.g. colour drawing pencils or graphic software on your computer. Please report to the tutors if you will bring your own non-digital materials for session 3 beforehand so that they are aware of any risks associated with the materials and whether the materials can be used in the classroom space
Book a course
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