May 19–June 19, 2015
School of Visual Arts (SVA)
209 East 23rd Street
New York, NY 10010
From anatomical studies to landscape painting to the bio-morphism of surrealism, the biological realm historically provided a significant resource for numerous artists. More recently, bio art has become a term referring to intersecting domains of the biological sciences and their incorporation into the plastic arts. Of particular importance in bio art is to summon awareness of the ways in which biomedical sciences alter social, ethical and cultural values in society.
Coming to the fore in the early 1990s, bio art is neither media-specific nor locally bounded. It is an international movement with practitioners in such regions as Europe, the US, Russia, Asia, Australia and the Americas. Several sub-genres of bio art exist within this overarching term: 1) artists who employ the iconography of the 20th- and 21st-century sciences, including molecular and cellular genetics, transgenically altered living matter, reproductive technologies and neurosciences. All traditional media, including painting, sculpture, printmaking and drawing are employed to convey novel ways of representing life forms; 2) artists who utilize computer software, systems theory and simulations to investigate aspects of the biological sciences such as evolution, artificial life and robotics through digital sculpture and new media installations; 3) artists employing biological matter itself as their medium, including processes such as tissue engineering, plant breeding, transgenics and ecological reclamation.
This interdisciplinary residency will take place in the new Fine Arts Nature and Technology Laboratory located in the heart of New York City’s Chelsea gallery district. Participants will have access to all of the facilities. Each student will be assigned an individual workstation. In addition, the Nature and Technology Lab houses microscopes for photo and video, skeleton collections, specimen collections, slide collections, a herbarium and aquarium as well as a library.
Demonstrations include microscopy, plant tissue engineering, molecular cuisine and the production of micro eco-systems. Field trips and visiting speakers will include artists, scientists and museum professionals. Students may work in any media including the performing arts.
This residency will be led by artist Suzanne Anker, chair of the BFA Fine Arts Department at SVA; Brandon Ballengée, bio-artist; and Joseph DeGiorgis, marine biologist. In addition, visiting speakers have included artists, scientists and museum professionals including Kathy High, Ingeborg Reichle, James Walsh, Jennifer Willet, Ellen D. Jorgensen, Oliver Medvedik, William Myers and Paula Hayes.
Affordable housing is available, as are opportunities to exhibit and present work to the public.
For an application or further information regarding SVA’s summer residency program, contact:
Keren Moscovitch, Assistant Director of Special Programs
Division of Continuing Education
School of Visual Arts
T +1 212 592 2188
[email protected]
SVA’s summer residencies in New York City offer artists, designers and creative thinkers time, space and a supportive community in which to develop ideas and focus on their artistic direction. In addition to our time-honored studio residencies, a variety of innovative professional immersion programs provide opportunities for artists to explore new areas of social and technological practice and engage critically within their field. A unique combination of creative and professional resources provides a rich environment for growth and opportunity in the current, vibrant art scene.
Residencies are available in Critical Studies, Design Thinking, Professional Marketplace, Social Practice, Studio Residencies and Technology.
