ORIGIN AND LIMIT

7th – 11th, 14th – 18th, 21th – 25th of July of 2014

Contemporary Art and Life Sciences on the intersection of Art, Technology and Environment. Theme of 2014: Origin and Limit.

DURATION

5 to 15 working days.

GENERAL OBJECTIVES

The intersection of Art, Biology and the Environment offer unique opportunities to visual artists. This innovative summer course will allow non-specialists to acquire theoretical and practical skills in biological and environmental sciences in connection to the visual arts.

DESCIPTION

The Summer School explores the interdisciplinary relationship between art, life and environmental sciences through hands-on exercises, combining theory and practice in an informal environment, e.g.: seminars, debates, visits, and the creation of artworks with biological media.

The activities will address issues such as the cultural representations of technology and science, ethical concerns and the evolution of bioart as a cultural phenomenon. One week program with the opportunity to exted the stay for one or two additional weeks to develop an art project in a collaborative environment. This year’s main focus will be on the concepts of origin and limit.

The practical component will focus on  hands-on exercises in the laboratory, workshop, and within the natural environment. The possibility of transforming abstract concepts into art objects, the collection and selection of organisms for artistic purposes will be highlighted, and, finally, visits to different parts of the natural park, will take place.

The course will leave plenty of room for informal activities, and a cultural and social program.

The cost will be 650€ for the first week and 450€ for the optional 2 weeks after. The price includes accommodation at Cultivamos Cultura (a farmhouse), meals, tuition and general consumables for the course; from 7th July to 11th July for the first week and 14-18 July for the second week and 21-26 July for the third week (weekends are included between course weeks and will be dedicated to socializing and leisure activities).

FACULTY

Marta de Menezes, artista, curator, art director of Cultivamos Cultura Maria Antónia Gonzales Valerio, Professor of Philosophy at UNAM (Universidad Nacional Autonoma de Mexico) Luis Graca, MD, PhD, Head of Cellular Immunology Unit and Professor at the University of Lisbon Medical School.

PARTNERS

• Mundo Montado
• Camara Municipal de Odemira
• Ectopia
• Naturarte