art + science
COSMOS
When science meets art: Four artists explain how science informs and inspires their work.
“THE GREATEST SCIENTISTS are artists as well,” said Albert Einstein.
For as long as artistic expression has existed, it has benefited from interplay with scientific principles – be it experimentation with new materials or the discovery of techniques to render different perspectives. Likewise, art has long contributed to the work and communication of science.
We asked four outstanding artists to comment on their work and its relationship to science. “Science is my muse,” replied Xavier Cortada, who marked the discovery of the ‘God particle’ with a set of triumphal banners. The same can be said for the other three: Suzanne Anker renders small worlds in petri dishes, Lia Halloran explores serendipity in science, and Daniel Zeller translates images from alien realms in his own artistic language.
CLICK HERE to read COSMOS cover article.
art + music
Waters Rising
Cross-curricular performances by University of Miami Frost School of Music students and faculty increase community awareness about the causes and consequences of sea level rise .
“What is water?” Xavier Cortada addresses audience and musicians at Gusman Concert Hall where 56 of his Antarctic Ice Paintings were projected as part of the Frost Symphonic Winds’ ” Waters Rising ” concert.
art + nature
New ceramic work at Pinecrest Gardens
During Earth Day 2018, Xavier Cortada unveiled Diatom Court at Pinecrest Gardens. He dedicated his ceramic installation to the scientists who study diatoms every day to help us better understand how sea level rise and environmental degradation will impact South Florida in the century to come.
CLICK HERE to learn more about the art of diatoms.
art + exhibitions
{in water}
an exhibition about diatoms
by
Xavier Cortada
at
Pinecrest Gardens Hibiscus Gallery
11000 SW 57th Avenue
Pinecrest, FL 33156
Exhibition runs May 3 – May 27, 2018
Opening reception
on
Friday, May 4, 2018
7p to 10pm
Cortada collaborated with Florida Coastal Everglades Long Term Ecological Research (LTER) scientists at Florida International University to better understand the impact of global climate change on our ecosystems. Cortada depicts the single-celled diatoms scientists collect in their samples to study the human impacts on the water flowing through the River of Grass and into our lives . The digital works in the {in water} exhibition are inspired by their scientific research.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
JOIN US on May the 4th!
Vanishing Fins: Elasmobranchs on the Brink
An estimated 100-million sharks are killed each year for their fins. Through their work, the participating artists of this group exhibition aim to diminish the stigma that surrounds these creatures and enrich the audience’s appreciation of threatened and endangered elasmobranchs– including sharks, small tooth sawfish and rays.
On the evening of May 4th, 2018, join Pinecrest Gardens, University of Miami’s Shark Research and Conservation Program, and local artists for the opening reception of the FLORIDA IS… Vanishing Fins: Elasmobranchs on the Brink exhibition featuring art and conservation. Enjoy wine and hors d’oeuvres at 7pm , a meet and greet with local artists and researchers, a discussion panel hosted by UM’s SRC at 8pm , a live raffle, a photo booth, and more!
Exhibition runs May 3 – May 27, 2018 at Pinecrest Gardens Hibiscus Gallery and features the work of Xavier Cortada, Sean Daniels, Michael Gray, Bilgin Kurtoglu, Josh Liberman, Brian Reedy and Gretchen Scharngl.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
Ongoing Exhibitions
a solo exhibition by Xavier Cortada
The Frank Gallery
Pembroke Pines, FL
March 29 – May 19, 2018
Conceptualized during Xavier Cortada‘s residency at the Robert Rauschenberg Foundation Artist Residency in Captiva, Florida, “ Florida is…” is an evolving body of work that depicts the natural beauty of Florida. It asks Floridians to define their state by its actual nature, not by things we do and build to displace it. Some “Florida is…” works hang as public art in public venues, admonishing viewers to find better ways to coexist with nature. The project invites participants to capture and share their images and perspectives on the project’s online platform .
a group exhibition curated by Barbara Matilsky
Weisman Art Museum,
Minneapolis, Minnesota
January 27 – May 13, 2018
VANISHING ICE introduces the rich artistic legacy of the planet’s frozen frontiers now threatened by climate change, a phenomena understood by the public primarily through news of devastating climactic events. The exhibition offers another perspective by providing visitors an opportunity to experience the majesty of sublime landscapes that have inspired artists, writers, and naturalists for more than two hundred years. Interweaving science, history and art, and highlighting their historical interrelationships, the exhibition encourages audiences to value the preservation of alpine and polar environments for the well-being of both nature and culture. Through this exhibition, visitors will begin to appreciate how strongly embedded these regions are in our collective consciousness. Works include “Astrid,” from Cortada’s Antarctic Ice Paintings series.
CLICK HERE to learn more.
art + community
Comcast/Telemundo/NBCUniversal Project: Volunteers to depict 500 Florida Wildflowers on FLOR500 mural painted as part of a STEAM Spree at Sweetwater Elementary
On Comcast Cares Day , April 21, 2018, volunteers planted, painted, and created projects reflective of Sweetwater Elementary ’s STEAM culture focusing on science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics. Volunteers worked with Xavier Cortada as collaborator and guide as they implemented his FLOR500 art, nature and history project. They painted a 240′ mural depicting 500 native wildflowers. The work is destined to become a landmark for the school and Sweetwater community.
An artist-in-residence at Florida International University, Cortada often works with scientists in an effort to create art that educates people about the importance of Florida’s ecosystems and encourages better environmental stewardship. Cortada’s artistic and ecological vision shaped the major projects that were implemented on Comcast Cares Day. As part of the effort, all 700 elementary school students will receive their own native wildflower plants to grow their own gardens at home all across the city of Sweetwater !
CLICK HERE to learn more.
