Synopses & Reviews
A new breed of contemporary artist engages science and technology—not just to adopt the vocabulary and gizmos, but to explore and comment on the content, agendas, and possibilities. Indeed, proposes Stephen Wilson, the role of the artist is not only to interpret and to spread scientific knowledge, but to be an active partner in determining the direction of research. Years ago, C. P. Snow wrote about the "two cultures" of science and the humanities; these developments may finally help to change the outlook of those who view science and technology as separate from the general culture.
In this rich compendium, Wilson offers the first comprehensive survey of international artists who incorporate concepts and research from mathematics, the physical sciences, biology, kinetics, telecommunications, and experimental digital systems such as artificial intelligence and ubiquitous computing. In addition to visual documentation and statements by the artists, Wilson examines relevant art-theoretical writings and explores emerging scientific and technological research likely to be culturally significant in the future. He also provides lists of resources including organizations, publications, conferences, museums, research centers, and Web sites.
Review
"Wilson...has bravely tried to survey the entire intersection of the arts and the sciences."
— Mike Holderness, New Scientist
Review
"An admirable compendium of work....The book's roster reads like a who's who of international scenemakers."
— Wired
Review
"This book is marvelous in its scope, very important and timely, and very thoroughly researched. The author sets out to map the extremely complex and layered area of intersection between art, science, and technology. He accomplishes this by thinking through the parameters of his topic with much first-hand experience, insight, and care, and by being inclusive with examples."
—Nell Tenhaaf, electronic media artist and Professor, York University
Synopsis
An introduction to the work and ideas of artists who use—and even influence—science and technology.
Synopsis
A new breed of contemporary artist engages science and technology--not just to adopt the vocabulary and gizmos, but to explore and comment on the content, agendas, and possibilities. Indeed, proposes Stephen Wilson, the role of the artist is not only to interpret and to spread scientific knowledge, but to be an active partner in determining the direction of research. Years ago, C. P. Snow wrote about the two cultures of science and the humanities; these developments may finally help to change the outlook of those who view science and technology as separate from the general culture.
About the Author
Stephen Wilson was Professor of Conceptual and Information Arts at San Francisco State University.