Advanced Workshop in Artistic Practice and Transdisciplinary Research: Topics in Biological Arts, Ethics, and Automation (Fall 2024)

Instructor

Matej Vakula

Lab Fee

Per-term $75 fee after Add Date; SMACT students are exempt

Credit

3-3-6 U 3-3-3 G

Schedule

TR 930-1230

Location

E15-207

The Advanced Workshop in Artistic Practice and Transdisciplinary Research course series examines artistic practice as a form of critical inquiry and knowledge production. It offers opportunities to develop art as a means for addressing the social, cultural, and ecological underpinnings and consequences of technology, building bridges between industry and culture, and challenging the boundaries between public and private and human and non-human. It provides instruction in evaluating models of experimentation, individual research, and collaboration with other disciplines in the arts, culture, science, and technology.

Bioart is an interdisciplinary field that explores the intersection of art and biology, bridging the gap between science, technology, and artistic expression. This undergraduate and graduate-level course introduces students to the theoretical foundations, latest topics, and practical bio-art techniques, fostering creativity, critical thinking, and ethical considerations in creating bio-inspired artworks. Through theoretical discussions, hands-on art studio work, and guest lectures from experts in the field, students will gain a deep understanding of the historical context, ethical implications, and cutting-edge applications of bioart. The hands-on component includes developing artworks that utilize tissue printing, organs-on-chip microfluidic systems, bio robotics, DIY incubators, and liquid handling lab automation systems.