Engage with our speakers as they shed light on the fascinating intersection of art, science, and nature, inviting us to contemplate the intelligence found within the plant kingdom. Prepare to embark on a thought-provoking journey that challenges our human-centered perspective. We are honored to have Ting Zhang, Curator from the China Academy of Art, sharing insights into her curated art-science exhibition, “The Power of Plants: An Ancient Vitality.” Felipe Castelblanco, Artist and Researcher from the Institute Art Gender Nature (IAGN), Basel University of Art and Design FHNW, will delve into his research project on “Plants_Intelligence. Learning Like a Plant.” Completing our lineup, we have Yigang Song, Associate Professor from the Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden, presenting a scientific exploration of plant evolution.
This event will be held in a hybrid format, allowing participants from around the globe to join the conversation and connect with the international art-science community. For those attending in person, you will have the exclusive opportunity to embark on a guided tour of the captivating exhibition, “The Power of Plants: An Ancient Vitality,” further immersing yourself in the wonders of flora.
The Art x Science Dialogues represent a dynamic platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration between art, science, and technology. As Swissnex in China assumes the role of the official LASER (Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous) Host China, we aim to deepen our engagement with the international art-science community, facilitating exchanges, and inspiring new perspectives.
Mark your calendars for this captivating event that bridges art, science, and nature. Don’t miss out on an evening of stimulating discussions and immersive experiences that will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the botanical world and a more holistic understanding of life.
Program
- 6:00pm – Registration for onsite guests
- 6:30pm – Welcome remark by Philippe Roesle, Swissnex in China
- 6:35pm – Presentation by Ting Zhang, China Academy of Art
- 6:55pm – Presentation by Felipe Castelblanco, Basel University of Art and Design FHNW
- 7:15pm – Presentation by Yigang Song, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden
- 7:35pm – Discussion, Q&A
- 8:00pm – Exhibition guided tour for onsite guests
iCal / Outlook
Event start time
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China
6:00PM -
Boston and New York
6:00AM -
Brazil
7:00AM -
India
3:30PM -
San Francisco
3:00AM -
Switzerland
12:00PM
SPEAKERS
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Bio
Ting Zhang
Curator, China Academy of ArtTing Zhang teaches at the China Academy of Art since 2001 and holds her Ph.D. diploma in Museology. She has long been interested in cross-cultural ecology and contemporary art expression in the international context, as well as research-based creation and the comparison of geographical relations, and engaged in contemporary art curation, project management and art criticism. Exhibitions curated and co-curated by Ting Zhang have been national and international, and she has also been invited as a curator to participate in numerous cultural exchange programs internationally. Ting Zhang is also a contributor to art media such as Art China, ArtCo China, Art Monthly, Public Art, Art.China.com, 99ys.com, etc.
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Bio
Felipe Castelblanco
Artist and Researcher, Institute Art Gender Nature (IAGN), Basel University of Art and Design FHNWFelipe Castelblanco is a multidisciplinary artist and researcher who works at the intersection of participatory practices, the moving image, and new media art. In his practice, he explores institutional formats and creates platforms for inter-epistemic dialogue. Recent exhibitions include the 2019 Quebec Biennial, Seasons of Media at ZKM – Center for Art and Media in Karlsruhe, and the project Water Territories at Helmhaus in Zurich. Felipe Castelblanco completed a practice-based Ph.D. with the Make/Sense Program at FHNW Academy of Art and Design in Basel in cooperation with Kunstuniversität Linz, investigating avenues for biocultural peace-building through participatory art and media in the Colombian Andean-Amazon region.
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Bio
Yigang Song
Head of the Plant Systems and Evolution Research Group, Shanghai Chenshan Botanical GardenYigang Song, Ph.D., Associate professor, has been working at Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden since 2012. In January 2020, he received his Ph.D. from the University of Fribourg (Switzerland) following the supervisor Gregor Kozlowski (Scientific Director of the Botanic Garden of Fribourg). He received his master’s degree from the Xinjiang Institute of Ecology and Geography, Chinese Academy of Sciences in 2012. He is currently the head of the Plant Systems and Evolution Research Group at Shanghai Chenshan Botanical Garden. His research interests are conservation biology, plant systematics and evolution, and biogeography that focus on oaks (Quercus) and walnut family (Juglandaceae). Up to now, he has published more than 40 scientific research papers and three monographs, such as “Wingnuts (Pterocarya) & walnut family”.
About Art x Science Dialogues
Art x Science Dialogues is an event series that looks at new interdisciplinary initiatives and trends and presents artistic projects in which scientists and research engineers are deeply involved. Swissnex in China acts as the multidisciplinary focal point that connects people and institutions while curating trend-setting topics. The goal is to build a global community of artists, scientists and innovators who are interested in the exchange of novel ideas and opportunities, thereby establishing a sustainable framework that fosters long-term art-science collaboration.
About LASER Talks
Leonardo/ISAST LASER Talks is a program of international gatherings that bring artists, scientists, humanists, and technologists together for informal presentations, performances, and conversations with the wider public. The mission of LASER is to encourage contribution to the cultural environment of a region by fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and opportunities for community building to over 50 cities and 5 continents worldwide.
