I am ready these post with much interest.
First my context to respond to this topic. Three years ago, after years of working as an artist where my MFA thesis was more research based, I embarked on a MSc degree. For this degree I choose, I put my artistic self aside. I read books on research methods, and embarked on a process wherein it seemed every step in the research had to be justified, traced, and to be if needed verified by third parties. A very opposite approach to (my) artistic method, or process as it is more often revered to, which is intuitive, questioning theoretical and materialistic paradigms, and looking at the obvious from an unexpected angle. Now I know that scientific research is also intuitive; however, I think the discussion should be not be on what we agree on but on what Kevin writes the different environments we operate in.
Art is a knowledge system, and its histories consist of many different ways of observation, and thinking through these observations. However, there is a fundamental difference, which I want to explain through my own practice. In my work process I think through topics using the materiality of digital video and audio, which includes the properties, the culture, the history and theory around digital video. The process of questioning, researching , exploring, comes together in the choices made, which become only perceptible in the finished piece. A viewer, later, instils their own perceptions in the work. The work is perceived within an artistic theoretical and historical context. This perception requires a prior knowledge and experience in engaging with art works.
Thinking about this from a scientific method, in the lines of a published paper, wherein the difference is the decision making process is part of the product, thus it is the documentation of the process other than the work that is of importance. This is requires a very different approach from an artist to her work process, as well as a different audience and venue.
Too often I see artistic work becoming an illustration of a scientific production other then being a different view on the materiality, context, knowledge system of to be researched topic. Coming back to the posts by Paul , I think that the problem is maybe to easy to say we are preaching to the converted. The flock needs to be pro active in the understanding artist have of scientific research methods, and the scientist have of an artistic process. Wanting to step out of your comfort zone, so to say. So I think the topic of this discussion might be better served by the question HOW art science collaboration contribute to successful scientific production _and I want to add_ artistic production.
Thank you for reading.
Jacky Sawatzky
artist, educator, researcher
Models of Observation
http://jackysawatzky.net
On 2013-08-07, at 6:23 PM, Paul Fishwick wrote:
> I really like Kevin's point below as I think he hits the nail on the head
> with his comments, particularly where he points to a need for
> artists to be able to "convince them [scientists] of the value of
> art practice and theory."
>
> Everyone on this list is already sold on the philosophical leanings
> involving the value of the arts, sciences, and their intersection so
> no need to continue to use this as an argument.
>
> I think a much stronger argument is needed for the future. That
> argument is based on scientific literature to show that under
> a variety of circumstances, the arts can improve something
> fundamental about cognition: for example, attention, memory,
> or a higher level execution function such as learning. If we
> build up this literature to include such findings, this will be
> most convincing to the scientist because all endeavors (inc.
> science) require effective cognition function. If you want to
> teach someone about organic chemistry, students will need a
> good memory, and the ability to command attention during the
> learning or communication activities involved.
>
> Anything short of this makes for "preaching to the choir"
> scenarios we find ourselves in often as we continue to explore
> this interface.
>
> -paul
>
> Paul Fishwick, PhD
> Chair, ACM SIGSIM
> Distinguished Chair of Arts & Technology and Professor of Computer Science
> The University of Texas at Dallas
> Arts & Technology
> 800 West Campbell Road, AT10
> Richardson, TX 75080-3021
>
> On Aug 6, 2013, at 5:59 PM, roger malina <rmalina@alum.mit.edu> wrote:
>
>> DOES ART SCIENCE COLLABORATION CONTRIBUTE IN ANY WAY TO SUCCESSFUL...
>>
>> In collaborations with scientists, I have often found, as an artist,
>> that it is difficult from the outset to convince them of the value of
>> art practice and theory. I agree with the papers quoted by Roger.
>> There is real asymmetry. I think that this in part arises because most
>> scientists operate in very a different academic, institutional and
>> financial environment from most artists. That may well be okay, but it
>> also means that artists will most likely never come to nourish
>> scientific research.
>> By Kevin McCourt
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