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A framework for action and reflection: using play to facilitate/ understand the relationships between art practice and life science


Joanne Berry-Frith, Loughborough University



Since 2010, a central part of my practice has involved contributing to scientific research projects as one of the research team. I identified a gap in knowledge while working with scientists in labs. There was a lack of understanding between the two disciplines of approaches to imaging and its potential. I wanted to discover if and how an artist-researcher can contribute to new methods of interdisciplinary approaches in advanced imaging and microscopy through collaborative practice. Over the last ten years, I have collaborated with Advanced imaging and Microscopy specialists, working with a network of internationally renowned core imaging laboratories in the field of Life Science. My aim is to dismantle silo mentalities so that artist-researchers can collaborate with scientists to create new representations, and insights. I implemented a four-stage framework with four cycles of practive underpinned by the inclusion of play as an insightful concept. Each element helped me negotiate and interpret art and science collaboration in new ways by extending art and scientific methods of visualisation. This led to non-standard representations, technological advancements, and better intellectual and visualisation skills, hence enhancing practice-based research through collaboration. Each element helped me negotiate and interpret art and science collaboration in new ways by extending art and scientific methods of visualisation. I advanced three methods of production: an introspective, digital drawing method using limited tools; data montages where data and documentary footage are explored; and experimental moving image work, integrating documentary film footage and sound. The work I will show at Coningsby Gallery showcase artwork made from three recent collaborations at:
• COMPARE, The Cell Signalling and Pharmacology Group and a minor study at the Molecular and the Cellular Biology Group, School of Life Sciences, Queens Medical School, University of Nottingham.
• Core Research Laboratories Imaging and Analysis Centre, Natural History Museum (NHM), London,
• The Centre for Cellular Imaging (CCI) Sahlgrenska Academy Gothenburg University, Chalmers University and the Biofilms, Research Centre for Bio-interfaces, Malmo University.

 

Keywords: Art, Science, Interplay, Collaboration, Microscopy


Biography
I have been working as an artist for over thirty years. I exhibit regularly and widely throughout the Country and Internationally with pieces in the Victoria & Albert Museum (V&A), Arts Council England (ACE) East Midland Collections, Nottingham University Medical School and Zeiss, Munich, Germany.  Residencies include the Florence Trust Studios, London, the Natural History Museum, London, the Lakeside Arts Centre, Nottingham University. Public art commissions include Millfield Sculpture Commission, Derbyshire Moorlands, Sheffield Galleries and Museums Trust, New Shetland Museum & Archives and Blackpool Illuminations. I am fascinated by light, colour, lasers, technology and science.