Vision+Light: Extending the Senses

October 27 + 28, 2016

5:30-8:30pm | Energy Biosciences Building 2151 Berkeley Way

Experience the boundaries of the natural world, from the infinitesimal to the cosmic scale. During two evening events, explore exhibits of microscopy, multimedia artwork, digital sound and sculpture, created by artists and scientists probing our world for deeper understanding. Examine the minute universe with cutting-edge microscopes, play with robots, fold paper with an origami master, and join in fascinating conversations on science, image and creativity. Vision + Light is presented in partnership with Science at Cal, Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, ZEISS Berkeley Brain Microscopy Innovation Center, and the Bay Area Science Festival. This event was made possible through support by ZEISS.

6:15-7:00pm | Relationship between Art & Science, Expressed by Folding

Bernie Peyton, a wildlife biologist, will explore the relationship between science and art as it applies to origami design, Learn how scientists are now taking their knowledge of folding to solve real world problems. Can you imagine how knowledge of origami could create a microscope that costs less than one dollar, or stuff a huge solar panel into a rocket that would later be expanded in space? Find out, and be prepared to do some easy folding to reveal the thinking behind these innovations.

7:30-8:15pm | Scientific Visualization, Mental Images, and Creativity Carlo Sequin – Professor, Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences Jack Gallant – Professor, Psychology Farley Gwazda – Director, Worth Ryder Art Gallery Two scientists and an artist, when asked to participate in a discussion on “Vision + Light,” had quite different associations, spanning the three topics expressed in the title. Our panelists will begin with three short, prepared presentations that show the primary associations triggered when they were invited to explore “Vision + Light: Extending the Senses.” This will be followed by a more open-ended discussion.

6:15-7:00pm | Imaging for Research, Imaging for Art Nipam Patel – Professor, Molecular and Cell Biology and Integrative Biology Holly Aaron – Director, Molecular Imaging Center Cancer Research Laboratory Kristina Dutton and Nathan Clevenger – Musicians Imaging has always been an important part of research in the life sciences, particularly in the field of developmental biology. Rapid improvements in microscopy have made it possible to examine in ever increasing details the events of embryo development, and watching living embryos has led to many significant advances. Images of embryos are often visually stunning and provide an important opportunity to connect the public to the world of scientific research. Here we illustrate the stunning beauty of embryonic development using the squid, an animal long used by researchers, and become increasingly popular for understanding the evolution of neural complexity. Join in a conversation on the synthesis of science imagery, art and music. http://kristina-dutton.com/

7:30-8:15pm “SEEC Photography at the speed of light” Philipp Haslinger – Department of Physics, UC Berkeley Enar De Dios Rodríguez – SF Art Institute Thomas Juffmann -Stanford University SEEC is a photographic science-art project that investigates how light moves across a subject. This happens at the speed of light and within a few nanoseconds (1 nanosecond = 0.000000001 seconds). Light scattered from objects closer to the camera will be imaged earlier than those further away. Using modern technology we can literally watch light (photo-) in the process of writing (-graphy) an image. http://seecphotography.com

ZEISS Berkeley Brain Microscopy Innovation Center

For new optical tools to yield breakthrough discoveries, there is a need for commercially available microscopes that are optimized for use with emerging neurotechnologies. Although about ten years have passed since the development of the first optogenetic probes that make it possible to excite and inhibit neurons with light, there is still not a single commercial microscope that enables the integration of such measurement and control at more than a very rudimentary level, thereby limiting the use of these technologies to specialists who can build their own microscopes. Using novel approaches developed at UC Berkeley, the BrainMIC will help fast-track the commercial developments of new microscopes, optical components, and analysis methods.

ZEISS Digital Classroom Through the award winning, innovative connection of WiFi-enabled microscopes and the Labscope imaging app, ZEISS is modernizing teaching classrooms around the world. Test drive how Labscope on your smart phone or iPad can be networked to multiple ZEISS microscopes for presentation via an HD projector and/or on the student’s individual smart device. This way, students can check the image details on their own display while listening to the teacher’s explanation. After the lesson, the teacher shares images via the internal facility network, or by using email or various chat programs. Students share their exercises via the internet when submitting their assignments, or share their best microscopy images with their friends and family on social networks. Learn more at www.zeiss.com/digital-classroom

Elizabeth Jameson – Fine Artist “I am an artist based in the San Francisco Bay Area who specializes in the intersection of art and science. I focus on brain scans, particularly MRIs, because I consider them one of the primary symbols of Multiple Sclerosis. Since my diagnosis of MS, I have continually undergone brain scans to track the progression of my disease. Initially the sterile black and white images of the MRIs of my brain were terrifying, and I refused to look at them. I began using my art practice to reinterpret these frightening yet mesmerizing images. I seek to disrupt the unsightliness of these digital images, inviting the viewers to stare directly at the beauty and complexity of the imperfect brain.”

Farley Gwazda – Director, Worth Ryder Art Gallery Farley Gwazda works primarily with the mediums of video, drawing, and installation.

Greg Niemeyer – Director, Center for New Media With the 15.1 channel audio and video art installation Gnosisong, Chris Chafe and Greg Niemeyer seek to illustrate the drama of the thinking brain. Based on the scientific data of neural activity, their sonifications and animations show parts of thoughts resonating with each other, at times coming together, at times drifting apart. Gnosisong premiered in the Centro de Cultura Digital in Mexico City on Aug 28, 2015.

Bernie Peyton – Conservation Biologist, Origami Master “Scientists and artists share similar attitudes and discipline toward exploring their subjects. Both rely on former research of their subjects, however unlike scientists, artists rarely give prior results credit or citation. Results are often reached incrementally as better techniques are available. Both disciplines force practitioners to think in creative ways. Scientists and artists create their own problems and then solve them. There is a lot of chemistry and material science in origami, just as there is a lot of folding in the natural world.”

Katherine Sherwood – Professor Emerita, Painting Professor Emerita Katherine Sherwood‘s painterly, figurative work explores the process of healing from her perspective as a feminist and a person with a disability.

Katherine Sherwood – A Retrospective Exhibit: 10/19-11/4. Opens 4-7pm October 19 Worth Ryder Art Gallery

Carlo Sequin – Professor, EECS Since the mid-1990’s, Séquin’s work in computer graphics and in geometric design have provided a bridge to the world of art. In collaboration with a few sculptors of abstract geometric art, in particular with Brent Collins of Gower, MO, Séquin has found yet another domain where new frontiers can be opened through the use of computer-aided tools. Large bronze sculptures resulting from collaborations between Brent Collins, Steve Reinmuth of the Bronze Studio in Eugene, OR, and Carlo Séquin have been installed in the lobby of Sutardja Dai Hall at U.C. Berkeley and in the courtyard of the H&R Block headquarters building in Kansas City.

Philipp Haslinger, Enar De Dios Rodríguez and Thomas Juffmann – Department of Physics and SEEC Photography SEEC is a photographic science-art project that investigates how light moves across a subject. This happens at the speed of light and within a few nanoseconds (1 nanosecond = 0.000000001 seconds). Light scattered from objects closer to the camera will be imaged earlier than those further away. Using modern technology we can literally watch light (photo-) in the process of writing (-graphy) an image.

TechHive at Lawrence Hall of Science – Robot Petting Zoo The Robot Petting Zoo is a beginner friendly hackathon built to engage youth in science and technology. It was designed to be welcoming to everyone. Instead of competing, groups work collaboratively to put on a fun event for the public. Participants learn coding, electronics and physical prototyping by building an interactive robotic pet. The goal of these animatronic animals is to delight the public, which makes art, creativity and humor essential skills in the design process.