Transcidicplinary and Transcultural, International

ART PROJECT: ”In the Desert of Stars: Water”

Background of the project

Not long time ago we were convinced that our watery planet is the only of such kind in the lifeless, indifferent Universe. This belief has irrevocably passed and the breakthroughs in research for water in the universe opened a new chapter in human endeavours towards future utilisation and habitation of the cosmic space. 

Yet scientific discoveries acquire not only practical dimensions but also a deep cultural value. In the midst of the 20th century our language enriched itself by the phrase “overview effect” followed by “under-view effect” expressing changes in the approach towards our locus mundi caused by the sight of the Earth from the Space.  The discovery of forms of water in the Space has a similarly deep impact on understanding of our (expanding) habitat and the future of our civilization.

Water is the fundamental condition of our biological existence and civilisation development. Nothing strange then that in face of the decreasing quantity of potable water, desertification, environmental collapse and climate changes (causing ecological, economical, social and political crisis) the subject of water became the vital topic of scientific research. However the scientific endeavours towards our sustainability and quality of life won’t be fully successful without regaining the cultural, global respect towards water and awareness of the true value of our “blue gold”. 

The proposed project under the global name  “In the Desert of Stars: Water” explores, under artists’ views, the impact of scientific discoveries on our daily lives as well as on our deeper consciousness and visions, revealing at the same time profound humanistic roots of today’s scientific aspirations and aims.

From space exploration to planetary civilisation

For centuries the “silence of empty Space”, that terrified Blaise Pascal, has been filled by human imagination, ambitions and dreams. Pythagorean Harmonia Universalis, celestial maps by Jan Hevelius or Jai Sing’s architectural observatories are just a few examples of many splendid monuments of human fascination with the cosmic space which has evolved together with advances in understanding our micro and macro environments.

Space activities and technologies that support their progress do not concern only a far away reality but contribute to the present and near future life of our global society in steady alteration. However, as Michio Kaku argues, we won’t be able to take a full advantage of this developing knowledge until we create a real planetary civilization, founded on nations’ cooperation, advanced planetary communication and planetary culture shaped from diversity and synergy of many smaller ones. We believe that this process has already started and the project “In the Desert of Stars: Water” is part of its course. Interweaving cultural, philosophical, historical and practice-based approaches it creates a platform for interdisciplinary and transcultural human interactions, triggered by new technologies, discoveries and desires.

The objectives of the Project

- The project wants to present different artistic interpretations and visions of high scientific concerns  and investigations.

- The project aims at increasing social awareness of the importance of the investment in water research and the impact of space exploration;

-  It underlines not only practical aspects of scientific investigations but also their rich cultural contexts and multilevel impact on our global society and its specific communities;

- Unifying and questioning paradigms of art and science in its activities and outcomes, the project introduces new and significant values into various social milieus;

-  It propagates interdisciplinary and inter-cultural communication and exchanges;

-  Relating to scientific research and discoveries, the project adds other dimensions to the rigorous language of science, transposing them into the zone of individual intuition and creativity and thus expanding area of cognitive experiences;

-  It adds to the process of popularization and democratization of knowledge and therefore it eases the access to knowledge;

-  It helps scientists to communicate their practice to a wider community in a novel way;

- The project exposes science and art as public goods and underlines their role in the progress of the society.

- Through paying attention to the multi-layered matter of water the project supports local and global efforts towards sustainability and improvement of life quality.

- It promotes creativity (creative thinking and acting) expressed through arts and science in a society of knowledge.

The subject(s):

Referring to the significance of water for the local societies as well as for global society, the project re-examines relations between the human being and his micro and macro environments. Focusing on a triad: Water – Universe – Life, it explores how science, humanities and cultural imageries influence each other in shaping our understanding and knowledge and how technology modulates these relations.

The Project “In the Desert of Stars: Water” will  embrace  following, interconnected sub-projects:

-“Water on the Moon!” –

in collaboration with Srishti College of Art, Design and Technology & Indian Space Research Organisation ISRO, Bangalore

    Referring directly to the discovery of water on the Moon by Chandrayan I, (launched by Indian Space Research Organisation, in the frame of NASA project Mini –RF) and associated researches, the project explores special links with our natural satellite and its possible habitation. It triggers questions such as: How cultural backgrounds influence our future visions? Will Moon’s oceans stay dead and dry? What are relations between Terrestrial and Moon waters?..... 

- “(My) Drop of the Universe” –

developed with students of Studio for Transdisciplinary Projects & Research, University of Arts in Poznan, Poland

    (Inspired by Morasko meteorite and chemical pollution of the Baltic Sea)

    It is well known that one can “see the Universe in a grain of sand”. Taking into account new discoveries, should we alter our habits and see the universe within a drop of water? What it contains and what is its potentials? What is the origin of water and why it is so important in this universe? And for us? How can we protect it?

-  “Liquid Universe”

     How do we conceptualise and represent space and time? What is the role of technology in shaping our imagery? How various cultural backgrounds influence our intuitions and interpretations? How are we connected with ourselves and our environment? (see also “Hidden Toplogy of Being”)

 - “Life matter(s)” –what is the origin, matter and significance of life and intelligent life in the universe? Where is our position in its evolution?  What are relations between micro and macro scales? Between animated and non-animated matter? Between consciousness and the matter? Between creativity of consciousness and creativity of the matter? (see also  " Life Matters")

The delivery and output of the project:

The project is intended to be realized in the series of sub-projects embracing: high quality art works, multimedia realizations, presentations, workshops and meetings, opening new perspectives for interdisciplinary and trans-cultural activities based on interactions between intellectual, imaginative and experimental.