Abstract:

In order to create works that transcend cultural boundaries, artist-scientists need to be verbally and visually literate in two or more disciplines. What bearing does this have on the way they perceive an image, compared to individuals whose research or practice is confined to a single discipline? In this talk, Amanda Wilson explains why she thinks that artist-scientists may exhibit 'cultural multistability', whereby their impressions of an image jump between interpretations routed in different disciplines. Drawing from Gestalt theory, frame analysis and the perception of visual illusions, she describes and interprets the results of her recent survey.

Biography:

Amanda Wilson is an artist working with microscopy, digital technology, sculpture and sound. She is a specialist in electron microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy and immunofluorescent light microscopy and uses these skills as a foundation for her artistic practice which explores concepts of perception in both art and science. Exhibitions include: “Reflections of Research” curated by The British Heart Foundation and shown at the Royal Society of Arts, and “All Things Bright and Small”at The London Science Festival. Amanda is fascinated by perceptual and cultural ambiguity and how this modulates an individual's response to art and illustration.

URLs:
Personal website
www.electronmicroscopy.co.uk
Leonardo abstract
www.leonardo.info/isast/journal/toc452.html

Free event

How to find the Garwood Lecture Theatre:

Once you enter the main UCL gate at Gower Street, you will face the Portico in the UCL quadrangle courtyard. Please take the right hand side diagonal and walk to the right corner of the building. You will see the brass table indicating South Wing. Enter the second entrance door at the South Wing, and you will find the Garwood Lecture Theatre
on the first floor. There will be signs from the entrance that will help you to find the exact location easily.

You may also consult the UCL map at:
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Hope to see you then,

Best wishes,

Gordana

UCL Tesla curator