The et al lab at Duke University seeks to scaffold research and creative practice at the intersection of art and science.
With the generous support of Bass Connections ("Laboratory Art in Practice: Building a Model for an Art/Science Lab at Duke"), the lab is offering a two-semester series of courses designed to cultivate an environment that hybridizes the artist studio, the humanities seminar room, and the science lab bench. In Fall 2022, students were introduced to historical, ethical and social descriptions of experimental practice from within science studies; learned lab techniques (e.g., microscopy, dissection, immunostaining, keeping a lab notebook, bioplastics); and studied artwork that incorporates media, instruments and practices from the life sciences. In Spring 2023, students are developing their own laboratory-based artistic research projects, culminating in an end-of-semester exhibition.
The lab is delighted that Bass Connections will continue to support our efforts in 2023-24.
The et al lab hosts workshops, public lectures, exhibitions, and discussions at the intersection of art and science.
On Friday, March 3rd, University of Chicago HCI PhD researcher Jasmine Lu will lead a workshop on culturing and caring for Physarum Polycephalum, a species of slime mold, for students in the course "Artistic Research in the Science Lab."
In late March or early April, infradisciplinary designer, artist, and researcher Pinar Yoldas will visit the lab and discuss her latest project, Dark Botany.
On Wednesday, April 19th, students working with the et al lab will participate in the Fortin Foundation Bass Connections Showcase. The event will be held from 3:30 - 6:30 PM in Penn Pavilion on Duke University's West Campus.
On Friday, April 28th, the lab will host an end-of-semester exhibition, the culmination of a two-semester exploration of laboratory techniques for artistic practice. The exhibition is tentatively planned for the atrium of the French Family Science Center.