Exhibit explores connections between art and science

Submitted by Kerynn Fisher
Phone: (907) 474-6941
09/14/06

The University of Alaska Museum of the North’s latest special exhibit, POLARities: Aesthetics/Experiments/Observations, explores the connections between art and science. The exhibit opens Saturday, September 16 and runs through Sunday, October 29.

Two themes form the foundation for POLARities - how science and technology inspire the artists, and how the artists incorporate science and technology into the creation of their work. Guest-curated by Fairbanks artist Annie Duffy, the exhibit features works by eight Alaskan artists - Miho Aoki, Bill Brody, Kim Brown, Elizabeth Eero Irving, Keren Lowell, Da-ka-xeen Mehner, Kesler Woodward and Duffy.

"There’s a broad cross-section represented in this exhibit - in subject matter, and materials as well as the process and technologies the artists use," says Duffy. "At a glance, these works might not seem like they have much in common, but they all build on the elements of investigation, observation, examination and a desire for understanding that are so critical in the scientific process."

Individual artist statements help provide a context to understand the work. Aoki and Brody collaborate actively with scientists in their work. Woodward, Irving and Mehner’s self-studies are all inspired by connections to biology, but their works present very different expressions in pastel, watercolor and an assemblage sculpture made from everyday materials. Duffy and Lowell use science as metaphors in their sculptures that focus attention on fibers, textures, play of light and perception. Finally, Brown’s ego sum pulvis t-shirt series poses abstract questions about life and death, art and science.

"These works illustrate the continuum of Alaska’s contemporary art, and their focus on the role of science in artistic expression forms the perfect complement to the museum’s mission, " said Wanda Chin, the museum’s exhibition and design director.

The exhibit coincides with the American Association for the Advancement of Science’s Arctic Science Conference, to be held in Fairbanks Oct. 2-4. In addition to the exhibit itself, all of the artists will take part in a session at the Arctic Science Conference on Monday, October 2 from 1:30 to 4 p.m. at the Westmark Fairbanks Hotel. Special session-only registration for the "Art and Science: Inspiration and Collaboration" panel is $15 for the general public and $5 for students. Online registration is available at http://www.polarities.org.

The POLARities special exhibit is funded, in part, by the Arctic Division of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the City of Fairbanks Hotel-Motel Tax Fund, re-grant by the Fairbanks Arts Association and the Museum Enhancement Fund.

Admission to the special exhibit is included in the museum’s general admission price: $10 for adults, $9 for seniors, $5 for youth 7-17 and free for children 6 and under. Museum members also receive free admission. The museum’s summer hours - 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily - continue through Friday, September 15. Fall hours begin Saturday, September 16 and will be 9 a.m. to 5 a.m. weekdays and noon to 5 p.m. weekends. Information on the museum’s programs and exhibits is available at 907-474-7505 and online at www.uaf.edu/museum.

Note to editors: High-resolution images from the exhibit are available on request.