Conversations with Artists and Scientists
Conversations with Artists and Scientists (CWAS) builds relational connections between artists and scientists through a non-hierarchical form of conversation, where each person in the conversation has an equal voice. The conversation is a mutually generative and creative process that fosters curiosity and connection. It is an experiment – a new way for scientists and artists to explore collaborations.
The SPCUNY grant made space for an intimate group of artists; (3) and scientists(2) based in Nairobi, Kenya to co-create this specific conversational structure. The work is being created in person in Nairobi and virtually between artists; Jepkorir Rose, James Muriuki, Floor Grootenhuis, and Scientists; Hussein Abkallo and Kelly Nakami.
The creation of the structure uses existing scores common in music and performance art. A score, similar to the scientific protocol, is a set of steps by which musicians, artists and scientists perform their music, dance or laboratory experiments. As a group we are working with our experience in both, and composing a score that consists of a written set of steps and agreements for how we, a group of artists and scientists, will have a non-hierarchical conversation. We are calling it a protoscore, it specifies who starts, who speaks next, for how long and so on.
CWAS is being made across continents and histories in an inclusive format where expertise and experience is generated in Kenya. Throughout the month of April, we worked together in Nairobi to start to create, test and adjust our score. We are preparing to perform it in the fall of 2023 with artists and scientists in both Nairobi and New York City. This will be a hybrid public format with an audience simultaneously in both locations.
Given the growing interest and collaboration between art and science, this score can become an accessible tool—used publicly and privately—to generate connection, community, and collaboration. The score generates discovery for artists, scientists, and the public that witness it. Once the first iteration of the score is publicly shared, it will be available for other groups to use and adjust for free, as a format of conversation, connection and exploration.
Images and Impressions
The birds eye view of our first gathering as a complete group hosted by the C& artist space in Westlands, Nairobi. We started to explore the conversation format between us as artists and scientists.
The group at our first full gathering from left to right: Nakami Wilkester, Hussein Abkallo, Floor Grootenuis, Jepkorir Rose and James Muriuki.
In our last gathering we visited the animal facility at the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI). We were given white boots to wear to prevent us bringing in any unwanted critters. This is a birdseye view of the muddy water we traversed.
Our field trip to meet the transgenic Boran Bull called Tumaini, the Kiswahili word for hope. We were hosted by Steve Kemp, program leader for Livestock Genetics at ILRI and shown around by Dennis Makoka, a veterinarian at ILRI.
Timeline
We plan to present our first conversation at an in-person event in Nairobi, Kenya early October, 2023.
SPCUNY Artist
Floor Grootenhuis
Collaborators
Nakami Wilkister is a vet/reproductive technology specialist.
Hussein Abkallo is a Biomedical Scientist working on broader applications of CRISPR/Cas technology and Synthetic biology in developing vaccines and establishing ultra-sensitive diagnostics.
Jepkorir Rose is a curator working alongside artists and affiliating practices to create opportunities/ spaces to encounter each other in areas of interest.
James Muriuki is an artist who has primarily utilized lens-based media in his work. His practice revolves around the transition of society and the development of rapidly evolving urban spaces.
