PANEL DISCUSSION /

SHIFTING LANDSCAPES: SEA LEVEL RISE IN LOS ANGELES AND BEYOND

A collaborative summer artists and scientists residency / exhibition; bridging the arts, science, and technology

 

Join us for a panel discussion with artist Osceola Refetoff and scientist Dr. Eric Larour, moderated by art critic Shana Nys Dambrot

​Saturday, October 28, 11am

 

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Artists: Guillermo Anselmo Vezzosi - Osceola Refetoff

Scientist: Dr. Eric Larour 

(Manager, Earth Sciences Section, JPL, NASA)

Curator: Marisa Caichiolo

 

Shifting Landscapes: Sea Level Rise in Los Angeles and Beyond is an innovative art residency at Building Bridges creating connections between science, technology, and contemporary art. This unique project aims to foster collaboration and dialogue between artists and scientists, focusing specifically on sea level rise, with research and data provided by NASA.

 

Bringing together two seemingly disparate worlds, we hope to unlock new perspectives and inspire creative responses to one of the most pressing ecological challenges of our time. The primary objective of Shifting Landscapes is to create a platform where artists and scientists can explore and create work addressing the complex issues surrounding sea level rise. By utilizing NASA's extensive data and research on the subject, residents are encouraged to engage with scientific concepts, methodologies, and findings, and translate them into thought-provoking artworks. 

 

Through this interdisciplinary approach, we aim to encourage public engagement, raise awareness, and stimulate meaningful conversations about the impacts of climate change. At the core of our art residence are the collaborations between artists and scientists. These partnerships create the foundation for shared learning and creative exchange, as artists gain insights into the scientific process and scientists gain new perspectives through artistic interpretations of their research. 

 

Artists have the freedom during the entire residency to explore various mediums and artistic approaches, including but not limited to object, sculpture, video, photography, installations, and multimedia presentations. They are encouraged to experiment with new materials and techniques, propelling their artistic visions toward new directions while drawing inspiration from the scientific data provided by NASA. 

 

Community Engagement: throughout the exhibition and residency, we actively engage with the local community, educational institutions, and the general public. Open studio events, artist talks, workshops, and exhibitions provide opportunities for dialogue and knowledge sharing. By involving diverse audiences, we hope to foster a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of art and science, as well as our own collective connection with each other and the environment.

 

Shifting Landscapes: Sea Level Rise in Los Angeles and Beyond seeks to leave a lasting impact beyond the duration of the residency and exhibition. The artworks created during the program will be exhibited for over a month here at Bergamot Station, ensuring a wider audience and greater visibility. Additionally, we will explore opportunities to collaborate with environmental organizations, museums, and educational institutions to create informative resources and engage with community outreach programs. 

 

This residency invites the participant artists and scientists to embark on an inspiring journey where their combined expertise and creativity foster dialogue and encourage interdisciplinary collaboration. By engaging the community, we hope to create a powerful platform that inspires action and contributes to a more sustainable future. 

 

Together, let us embrace the convergence of art and science to explore new frontiers of knowledge and understanding.  

 

(This program is made possible thanks to the support of the City of Santa Monica, the Getty Marrow Program (providing a curatorial assistant internship for Jesse Hernandez), and The Broad Diversity Apprenticeship Program.)

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Moderator Shana Nys Dambrot is an art critic, curator, and author based in Downtown LA. She is the Arts Editor for the L.A. Weekly, and a contributor to Flaunt, Artillery, and other culture publications and the recipient of the 2022 Rabkin Prize for Art Criticism and the 2022 LA Press Club National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Critic of the Year.