Science-Frictions is a workshop and a symposium co-organized by AKI and the DesignLab. As such, it includes both scientists and artists, who will jointly address the topic of biotechnologies – from the artistic, scientific and philosophical point of view.
Art and science working together
‘This event is a part of our long-term collaboration between artists and scientists. We believe this interaction between art and science is very important, so we can inspire each other and – together - visualize new future and question it,’ says Frank Kresin (DesignLab), who’s co-curated Science-Frictions together with Agnieszka Anna Wołodźko from AKI.
‘Science-Frictions focuses on biotechnologies, because it is the cutting edge of science and a field in which the UT is very strong,’ continues Kresin. ‘Moreover, biotech opens up new developments that go very fast and in very strange directions. CRISPR-CAS gene editing just showed us how greatly can biotechnology modify life – at low cost and on a huge scale. These developments can be hard for people to understand and it is therefore important to start a new dialogue. Technology can be hard to grasp, and so perhaps we need art to interpret it. Hence the combination of art and science.’
‘Biotechnology is not only difficult to understand but it is also a part of our daily life,’ adds Agnieszka Anna Wołodźko. ‘For instance, once you can enhance human genes, get rid of genetic diseases, the consequences are very tangible. Biotechnology directly influences the way we may live in a not so distant future and we have not yet started to ask whether we want these inventions, how they actually transform our lives.’
‘This concerns us all’
The Science-Frictions event aims to bring experts and public together, and consequently discuss the above and many other questions related to bio-art and bio-science. As Frank Kresin puts it: ‘Everybody is welcome, because this concerns us all.’
It’s still possible to sign up for Science-Frictions. You can choose to register for the workshop or only for the symposium and the entrance to both is free. The event is taking place this Wednesday, on the 22nd of November, in the DesignLab. The speakers include, for instance, Dave Blank, Špela Petrič, Robert Zwijnenberg and Christine Mummery. More information can be found here.
