A cross-pollinated evening of art, science, performance and discussion

Featuring Lelavision, Dr. Anna Edlund (Spelman College, Reproductive Biologist),

Nancy Lowe (Visual Artist) and Dr. Arri Eisen (Program in Science & Society of Emory College)

March 29, 7PM at Lelavision Studio on Vashon Island, WA

 

Visual artist Nancy Lowe (Atlanta) has brought together five academic scientists from around the nation and the multi-disciplinary performance company Lelavision (Vashon) to work collaboratively on a series of hybrid lecture demos that double as theatrical performances. Each piece melds new discoveries in science, sculpture, visual art, dance and music.  In the coming months, each scientist will present on the topic of ÒPropagationÓ in his or her field. Lelavision (comprised of sculptor/musician Ela Lamblin and choreographer, Leah Mann) will weave these ideas into original Physical Musicª pieces, on kinetic-musical-sculptures. The scientific perspectives on Propagation include those of: Anna Edlund (Reproductive Biologist at Spelman College), Steven Vogel (Biomechanician at Duke University), Kathy Barker (HIV Virologist at SeattleÕs System Biology Lab), Arri Eisen (Biochemist at Emory University) and Scott Gilbert (Developmental Biologist at Swarthmore College).

 

The first piece to be presented through these collaborations addresses Propagation in the context of Plant Reproduction and Pollination.  Anna Edlund will present technical and poetic renderings of current research on Pollen Biology, accompanied and interpreted by Lelavision and a new musical-sculpture modeled after the forms of pollen grains.  Also incorporated in the piece will be Nancy LoweÕs illustrations of pollen cell processes and micrographs of pollen structures and behaviors.

 

The performance will segue into an audience and panel Q&A, facilitated by Arri Eisen of Emory University.  The panel will be composed of both artists and scientists taking part in ÒThe Propagation ProjectÓ.  Audience members will have the opportunity to pose questions and nosh on ideas (as well as edible flowers, honey teas, and pollen-rich sweets and savories).

 

The performance will take place at   Lelavision Studio  on Vashon Island, 22608  111^th Ave SW, Vashon, Wa  98070. 

 

Reservations required due to limited space.  206-329-3724 or email:  lela@lelavision.com .  Directions upon reservation.  Admission is $15 by check or cash at the door (student discounts available).

This project is sponsored by 4Culture for the Arts and the Program in Science & Society at Emory College.

 

Nancy Lowe is an artist who works by day in biology labs.  She is fascinated by the connections between art and science and became inspired by the "choreography" of cells in embryological development to initiate collaborations between biology researchers and artists who use movement as a medium, thus catalyzing ÒThe Propagation ProjectÓ.  She is interested in using alternative means of communicating the wonders of natural sciences with students, scientists, and the general public.

 

Anna Edlund is an Assistant Professor in Biology at Spelman College in Atlanta, GA.  She has a PhD from UC Berkeley, where she studied cell movements during frog embryonic development.  Her postdoctoral research has been on pollen cell movements during plant reproduction.  She teaches courses in Developmental Biology, Botany, and the Biology of Women, and describes herself as a cell watcher, captivated by the beauties of biological structures and their functions.

 

Arri Eisen is Senior Lecturer in Biology and Director of the Program in Science & Society at Emory University in Atlanta and is currently the Distinguished Visiting Professor in Biology at the United States Air Force Academy.  Arri has a PhD in Biochemistry from the UW-Seattle and spends his time teaching, writing, and thinking at the boundaries of science, ethics, education, and society.

 

Lelavision Physical Music is comprised of sculptor/musician, Ela Lamblin and choreographer, Leah Mann.  Founded in 1996, the company tours internationally to festivals, theaters and special events playing with their whimsical hybrid form of performance incorporating sculpture, music and dance in simultaneity.  Mann and Lamblin are particularly interested in the physics of sound and the science of the body as it relates to art and health.