The initiative Coalescence; Scientific research through an artist’s lens, with Kungl. Konsthögskolan and SciLifeLab,, a Swedish national scientific center for large-scale research in life sciences, medicine, and the environment, connects artists and researchers.
Inspired by the research conducted at SciLifeLab, the project aims to explore what the collaboration may result in, for both art and science.
When the project started in February 2023, artists and scientists were given the opportunity to present their respective fields to each other. From 25 April to 5 May, the exhibition Coalescence; Scientific research through an artist’s lens at SciLifeLab Campus Solna showcases the results of these collaborations. Visitors are welcome to view works of art in the form of sculpture, digital art, and installation.
“It is important to show researchers, artists and the public that these two fields often have similar challenges and working methods. The initiative has brought out the artist in the researchers who got involved, and I look forward to continuing the dialogue with students at the Royal Institute of Art and other disciplines in the field of art.”, says Erdinç Sezgin, researcher and member of the Public Outreach and Engagement Committee at SciLifeLab.
The initiative hopes to contribute to an increased dialogue between the art world and the scientific community, and to give the public the opportunity to learn about the outcome.
“We find it exciting to explore the similarities between our two different research areas, where we share an interest in facing the future and tackling difficult and complex issues. We also share a strong drive to develop new ways of creating images”, says Björn Larsson, Senior Lecturer and Deputy Vice-Chancellor at the Royal Institute of Art. Royal Institute of Art.
The initiator of Coalescence; Scientific research through an artist’s lens is Max Frankel, a visiting student from the University of Colorado, who works as a researcher at SciLifeLab.
“I’m convinced that all forms of creation are powerful tools in helping our minds to construct new ideas and see how thoughts interfere with focus, for parts to fit into a whole. I hope to continue using my experience with art in my research and studies”, says Max Frankel, who has studied both art and atomic physics.
The collaboration with art students allows researchers to see how their work can be visualised. For art students, the research environment can provide inspiration and insights into life sciences.
Zeinep Colpan, a student at the Royal Institute of Art, describes the work leading up to the exhibition as ‘perfect’.
“I have previously worked in companies that manufacture medical devices and with communication in healthcare, which I think influences a lot of my areas of interest in the field of art”, says Zeinep Colpan.
Tove Alderin, a student at the Royal Institute of Art, has used the lab environment to find the expression presented in the exhibition.
“Through a series of conversations and experiments in the lab environment, I have had the opportunity to explore the brain at the molecular level within Jan Mulder’s research focus on Alzheimer’s disease”, says Tove Alderin.
The exhibition is open to the public until 5 May.
Vernissage
Tuesday 25 April at 15.00-18.00 hrs
SciLifeLab
Campus Solna
Tomtebodavägen 23
The exhibition is open 25 April to 5 May during SciLifeLab’s regular opening hours, Monday to Friday 08.00-17.00.