Event 2 Blog - Angela Zhang

As a Design Media Arts student currently exploring the intersection of neuroscience and art in this class, attending the LASER Talks themed "Three Cultures: the potential for change when art, science, and policy meet" offered profound insights. Moderated by Ingeborg Reichle, this discussion underscored how art and science amalgamate to influence and potentially transform policy, particularly in the realm of environmental issues.

Anthropocene - Project by David for HUNGER Magazine

The talks demonstrated that art isn't merely a vehicle for aesthetic appreciation but a potent medium for communicating complex scientific data. This aligns perfectly with the theories we've been studying, such as those presented by Howard Gardner in Art, Mind, and Brain, who suggests that the cognitive processes involved in artistic perception are closely linked with scientific understanding (Gardner). Additionally, Semir Zeki’s research in "Art and the Brain" supports the concept that viewing art activates similar brain areas as those used in cognitive functions, which enhances our capacity to interpret and appreciate the intricate relationship between art and science (Zeki).

Kat Austen’s presentation at the LASER Talks was particularly enlightening. Austen discussed how interdisciplinary approaches—melding scientific data with creative expression—could effectively communicate environmental data to policymakers, fostering a deeper understanding and potentially prompting action. This method of using art to convey scientific data is supported by recent studies, such as one published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology, which outlines the significant impact artistic representations have on environmental policy perception and decisions (Eliot et al.).

Kat Austen - When Plants Migrate

The LASER Talks were not just an academic exercise but a vibrant exploration of how creativity fused with scientific inquiry can address and illuminate complex societal challenges. This experience has inspired me to incorporate similar interdisciplinary methods into my final project, aiming to use digital art to raise awareness about environmental sustainability.

A night under the stars by Jordan Vincent

Would I recommend LASER Talks to my classmates? Absolutely. For anyone at the crossroads of multiple disciplines like art, science, and technology, these discussions provide invaluable insights and inspiration.

Works Cited:

Eliot, Rebecca, et al. "The Impact of Art on Environmental Policy." Journal of Environmental Psychology, vol. 68, 2021, pp. 101-112.

Gardner, Howard. Art, Mind, and Brain: A Cognitive Approach to Creativity. Basic Books, 1982.

Zeki, Semir. "Art and the Brain." Journal of Consciousness Studies, vol. 6, no. 6-7, 1999, pp. 76-96.

Proof of Attendance: