Gravity Geeks – Art + Science + Ideas Symposium Schedule /Content /Speakers / Abstracts / Bios /Contacts

Time Session Content / Topic Staff / Speakers Where9am Registration Joan Staff Box Office

Foyer9.30am Session 1

WelcomeIntroduction to the day

MC - Natasha Mitchell

Q Theatre

9.40am Parkour Gravity defying performance

Dauntless Movement Crew

Q Theatre

9.50am Session 2Keynote Address

TBA ‘Gravity Makes Waves’

Prof Fred Watson (Australian Astronomical Observatory)

Q Theatre

10.30am Morning Tea Atrium10.50am Session 3 Aboriginal

Astronomy and Navigation

Prof Ray Norris (WSU /CSIRO)

Q Theatre

11.30am Session 4. Science follows Art

Prometheus on TrialFrankenstein

Nick Atkins Creative ProducerField Audience Questions: Natasha Mitchell)

Q Theatre

12.noon Catch up time Planetarium12.15am Lunch Catered Atrium/Foyer12.30pm Performance (10

mins)Parkour Dauntless

Movement CrewMondo (outdoors)

1.pm Session 5Performance

‘Am I’ – Hand History

Shaun Parker & Company

Q Theatre

1.45pm Session 6Art + Science

Australian Network for Art and TechnologyProjects + Residencies

Vicki Sowry, Dir. Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT)

Q Theatre

2.30pm Afternoon Tea Catered Foyer2.50pm Session 7

Art + ScienceHouse of Wonder Residencies

3 artist / 3 scientists / Chair: Dr Sarah Reeves (MAAS)

Q Theatre

3.50pm Session 8Art + Science

‘Sound Ship- (descender 1)

David Haines / Joyce Hinterding

Q Theatre

4.30pm Session 9 Plenary / Wrap Up

Art + Science - Disciplines in Company

Prof Fred Watson, David Haines/ Joyce HinterdingVicki Sowry, Shaun Parker Chair: Natasha Mitchell

Q Theatre

5pm Session 10Digital Projection

Hindenburg Mix Barton Staggs / Alex Ryan

Q Theatre

5.15 –6pm Close Drinks Bar Atrium10 – 3pm Planetarium Film / Projection WSU invigilators Borland Foyer

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Session 1

Introduction to Gravity Geeks – Art + Science + Ideas SymposiumNatasha MitchellABC Broadcaster, Radio National, Natasha Mitchell will host Gravity Geeks Art + Science + Ideas Symposium.

Natasha Mitchell has an extensive career with many highlights related to science and its communication. She is the founding presenter and producer of popular ABC science psychology and culture radio show, All in the Mind. She has been an on camera reporter for ABC Science program Quantum, and most recently, was the presenter of Radio National’s Life Matters.Natasha Mitchell has served as a board member, and later vice president of the World Federation of Science Journalists.

Dauntless Movement Crew (DMC)Joseph CarboneDirectorjoe@dauntlessmc.com.au0420 943 569

DMC is a movement based team which combines art forms such as Tricking, B-Boying, Parkour and Acrobatics. We started in 2010 with just six members. In 2016 DMC has expanded to over 30 members and we're teaching more than 120 students. DMC members are split between teaching, entertaining at wedding and corporate events, and performing for TV commercials and theatre.

We've featured in films such as ‘Fat Pizza Vs Housos’ and ‘Kingsman’. We've also performed in commercials for Telstra, St George Bank, Aussie Beef, Studio Ten, Sony FIFA World Cup, QANTAS inflight commercials, and even performed live on Channel 7 Sunrise.

DMC entertains guests all over Australia at events varying from festivals to weddings and corporate events. We average five entertainment events per week through the two groups.

We also perform and teach at community events, including our homeground Fairfield City Council, at events including Bring It On Festival (part of Youth Week) and Cabramatta Moon Festival.

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Session 2 Keynote Address – ‘Gravity Makes Waves’

Professor Fred WatsonAustralian Astronomical ObservatoryPatron, Gravity Geeks – Art + Science + IdeasFred.watson@aao.gov.au0420 897 860

Keynote Address

Abstract: Gravity Makes Waves The announcement last February that gravitational waves had been detected for the first time was greeted with unbridled enthusiasm in the world of physics and astronomy. But the discovery has left hosts of ordinary people bemused, and not a little baffled. What are gravitational waves? How were they found? Will we find more? And, above all, why is it so important? Great questions all, and ones that this entertaining and fully-illustrated talk will answer. Join astronomer Fred Watson as he lifts the veil on everything gravitational to reveal why this is one of the most significant discoveries of our time - and what it could lead to.

Bio:Fred Watson is an astronomer and Science communicator. He has been Astronomer in charge at the Australian Astronomical Observatory in Coonabarabran. Now based in Sydney he is leading the charge to preserve the dark skies which will enable observatories to continue to view the universe. Fred has adjunct professorships at WSU, UNSW, Macquarie University and Queensland University of Technology. He is a well-known science communicator, appearing on radio and television and active in writing about science. He has received numerous awards including, in 2003, the David Allen Prize for communicating astronomy to the public; in 2006 he was the winner of the Eureka Prize for promoting understanding of Science. In January 2010 Fred was made an order of Australia. For his service to science and for communicating it to the public.

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Session 3 - Aboriginal Astronomy and Navigation

Professor Ray NorrisProject Leader, Evolutionary Map of the UniverseSchool of Computing, Engineering, & Maths, Western Sydney University,& CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science,Contact: 0417 288 307http://www.atnf.csiro.au/people/rnorris

Abstract: Aboriginal Astronomy and Navigation

Aboriginal people in Australia have a rich astronomical tradition such as the “emu in the sky” constellation of dark clouds, and stories about the Sun, Moon, and Orion, revealing a depth and complexity of Aboriginal cultures which are not widely appreciated by outsiders. A growing body of research over the last few years has shown that these traditions also show strong evidence of a deep knowledge of the sky, which was used for ceremonial, navigation and calendrical purposes. This talk will explore the wonderful Aboriginal astronomical stories and traditions and show how they were used for practical purposes such as navigation.

Bio:

Prof. Ray Norris is a British/Australian astronomer with Western Sydney University and CSIRO Astronomy & Space Science, who researches how galaxies formed and evolved after the Big Bang, and also researches the astronomy of Aboriginal Australians. He was educated at Cambridge University, and University of Manchester, UK, and moved to Australia to join CSIRO, where he became Head of Astrophysics in 1994, and then Deputy Director of the Australia Telescope, and Director of the Australian Astronomy Major National Research Facility, before returning in 2005 to active research. He currently leads an international project (EMU, or Evolutionary Map of the Universe) to understand the origin and evolution of galaxies, using the new Australian SKA Pathfinder radio-telescope nearing completion in Western Australia, and is also pioneering the WTF project to discover the unexpected in astronomical data. In his research on Aboriginal Astronomy he has been inspired by the depth and complexity of Aboriginal understanding of the sky, and looks forward to the day when Aboriginal languages are taught routinely in high-schools.

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Session 4 – Prometheus on Trial

Nick Atkins

Producer, New WorkJoan Sutherland Performing Arts CentreNick.atkins@penrith.city0425 432 39047 237623

Abstract: Prometheus on Trial

Published in 1817, Mary Shelley’s, Frankenstein is an early example of Science Fiction. Now with a body of adaptations across screen and stage, The Q has brought together an actor, a digital artist, a pianist and a director to reanimate the dead matter of this iconic 19 th century monster. Director, Nick Atkins introduces the context of this project and some of the discoveries that have been made behind the rehearsal room door of this new production. Frankenstein is truly a case of art influencing science and the possible.

Bio:

Nick is currently Producer, Q Programs at The Joan. Recently he directed Teacup in a Storm for The Q and is currently in development for a cross disciplinary adaptation of Frankenstein to be presented in November. As a writer his play Out of the Bars won Gasworks Arts Parks Playtime initiative and is the recipient of ATYP’s 2017 Foundation Commission for his new play Wonder Fly. In 2015 he directed The Bacchae for The Q and managed overseeing The Joan's residency, research and development activities. In this year he was also a member of PACT’s Rapid Response Team. In 2014 he wrote and performed A Boy & A Bean presented at PACT and The Joan. Mardi Gras awarded the show Best Performing Arts Event of the 2014 festival. In this year he also completed residencies with Blacktown Arts Centre, Performance Space and Urban Theatre Projects. Previously Nick worked as the Associate Producer and Co-Artistic Director of Crack Theatre Festival. From this role he collaboratively programmed the festivals presentation, panel and master classes series. He has worked as a teaching artist for The Joan, Shopfront Contemporary Arts, Casula Powerhouse and ATYP.

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Session 5 – Performance ‘Am I’

Shaun Parker CompanyShaun Parkerinfo@shaunparkercompany.com93511941

Performance / Presentation:

Shaun and the dancers will deliver 45 minutes of content including 5 minutes of live performance of Hand History from Am I, unpacking and discussion, video footage and Q & A

Hand History

This scene tells the history of man, from the Big Bang to the present time, told only through hands, fingers and arms. This 'hand animation' details the Big Bang, the expansion/contraction of the universe, the collision of particles, the formation of sun and light, the emergence of a single, cell, cell division, the formation of protozoa, jellyfish, fish, amphibians, birds, mammals, man, the notion of spirituality, the creation of religion, the building of civilisation, the advancement of knowledge, the development of technology, the complexity of societies and human interaction, and eventually sees and explosion/implosion of all of this advancement to begin again as a pulse of life.

For this work, Shaun researched scientific elements alongside Dr Helen Johnston, Senior Lecturer, School of Physics, University of Sydney.

Background / Bio:

Shaun Parker & Company creates critically acclaimed dance productions, which are renowned for their integration of stimulating choreographic forms, arresting musical scores and theatrical invention. Led by award winning Artistic Director and Choreographer Shaun Parker, his work is described as ‘so cutting edge it actually wanders off the edge of any single-word definition…’

Based in Sydney, this newly formed company has toured across Australia, Malaysia, the Middle East, Serbia, Austria and the UK, including a sold out season at London’s prestigious dance house Sadler’s Wells. Shaun Parker & Company has won two Australian Dance Awards, a Banksy Award, and the Argus Angel Award in the UK.

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Session 6 – ANAT Synapse Residencies

Vicki SowryDirectorAustralian Network for Art and Technologyvicki@anat.org.au08 8231 9037040 0320 205

Abstract: If we knew what it was we were doing, it wouldn't be called research, would it?

In the light of Einstein's enduring observation, Vicki will present a snapshot of the Australian Network for Art & Technology's Synapse program, which over the past dozen years has supported 100+ artists and scientists to undertake collaborative research in lab settings across Australia.

Bio:

For over 25 years Vicki has initiated and delivered programs for artists together with industry and academia that result in cross-disciplinary research and innovative creative practice. She is an assessor and industry advisor for the Australia Council for the Arts and has contributed to industry capability and policy development through governance roles across the sector over many years. She joined the Australian Network for Art and Technology (ANAT) in 2007 and has been Director there since 2012, devising and delivering opportunities for Australian artists to pursue interdisciplinary creative research and experimentation.

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Artists and Scientists in Residence (House of Wonder)

1. Emma Fielden + Andrew O’Brien

Emma Fielden0423 040 809Emma.fielden@optusnet.com.au

Artist Statement

My art practice is focused upon cosmology, the infinite and the infinitesimal, human awe and systems of belief that surround these concepts. I am often guided by my interest in physics, mathematics and astronomy. I am interested in how human awe and wonder, and our longing to understand our place in the cosmos, have arguably led to complex structures of belief like religion. These lines of enquiry have moved me to probe further into scientific research through books, online resources and university lecture podcasts. I am interested in research regarding the origin, evolution and composition of the universe. I am particularly fascinated by dark matter, the mysterious stuff that makes up such a large portion of our universe, not visible through traditional methods of observation and whose existence is only inferred by the gravitational effect it seems to have on visible matter.

Emma Fielden works across sculpture, installation and drawing. Since graduating from studies in 2006, her work has been regularly shown in solo and group exhibitions. She was a finalist in the 2016 Blake Prize and has received awards including the 2014 National Contemporary Jewellery Award and the 2009 Buda Australian Decorative and Fine Arts Society Award. In 2013 she received a New Work Grant from the Australia Council and was commissioned to make commemorative brooches for the recipients of the 2013 Australia Council Visual Arts Awards. During 2016 Fielden is based at Parramatta Artist’s Studios.

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Andrew O’Brien0401 764 452Andrew.obrien@westernsydney.edu

Galaxy Clusters:I am nearing the end of my PhD studies at Western Sydney University where I am researching galaxy clusters. Galaxy clusters are the largest gravitationally bound objects in the Universe. They consist of hundreds of galaxies and contain a large well of swirling gases between the galaxies within them. As clusters span such large distances, studying them can give insight on how the Universe as a whole is evolving and also reveal the distribution of the invisible and mysterious "dark matter".

Traditional methods of finding galaxy clusters detect the faint emission from either the galaxies themselves or the gas that exists between them. These methods are limited to finding only nearby clusters as these emissions quickly fade with distance. Looking at distant objects in astronomy is very important as it enables us to look back in time. The more distant an object is, the more time any emission from that object has taken to reach us and so we view it as it appeared in the past. If we are to understand how galaxy clusters form, we need to see them at different stages in their life, ideally from their formation to the present day. To find very young galaxy clusters, we are using radio wave detections of the powerful jets emitted by the black holes found in galaxy centres. These jets usually emit in straight lines from the poles of the black hole, but the moving gases that exist throughout galaxy clusters can disturb these jets and distort them much like a flag waving in the wind. Since these jets are typically extremely powerful, they are easily detected over a wide range of distances. This allows us to find galaxy clusters in the very distant Universe and hopefully all the way back to when galaxy clusters began to form.

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Artists / Scientists in Residence (House of Wonder) 2. Leahlani Johnson + Jordan Collier

Leahlani Johnson0410 560 898Leahlani.johnson@hotmail.com

Artist Statement

My practice explores the paradoxical nature of time. Working across the disciplines of ceramics, painting, installation, floristry and the moving image, I employ disparate materials to reveal opposing durational qualities of stillness, temporality and flux. Divergent concepts of time are further examined through the process of making the work and in the final form an exhibition may take.

In my art practice, I have been investigating the manifold nature of time within visual form. This investigation aims to reveal multiple forms of time to create areas of exploration to experiment and re-imagine its appearance within. The ambiguity surrounding time’s nature and form connects it to the wider concept of invisibility and the unknown. I explore between the counterpoints of invisibility and visibility, as time becomes redefined and reshaped within different pools of philosophical and scientific thought, highlighting both the expanse and challenge of visualising time. The investigation of time in my art practice reveals a connection to mystery and the universe through an exploration of the circular rhythms and patterns inherent in the natural world.

Since 2009 Leahlani Johnson has exhibited in group and solo exhibitions exhibitions. Recent solo exhibitions include The certainty of this, 2015, Hazelhurst Regional Gallery & Arts Centre, and Forgetting what lies behind, 2014, Bathurst Regional Art Gallery, Bathurst. From 2012 – 2014 she was a resident artist at Parramatta Artist Studios. In 2015 she completed a Masters of Fine Arts at UNSW Art & Design, and a residency at the Moya Dyring Studio, Cite Internationale Des Arts in Paris with the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

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Jordan Collier0414 443622j.collier@westernsydney.edu

The History of Supermassive Black Holes in the Universe:

I've just finished writing up my thesis, titled "The History of Supermassive Black Holes in the Universe". In it, I looked at how the intense gravity of supermassive black holes has influenced the way that galaxies evolve throughout cosmic history. We think that supermassive black holes lie at the heart of almost every galaxy. But only a few per cent of them are massive enough (and therefore have strong enough gravity) to cause the core of the galaxy to become active. One of the ways they become active is by launching jets away from the core, which we can observe with a radio telescope. These ones we call radio-loud, and they make up about 10% of the active galaxies.I studied two types of radio-loud active galaxies to gain a better understanding of how galaxies evolve, and how the supermassive black holes influence them: 1) Infrared-Faint Radio Sources; 2) Gigahertz-Peaked Spectrum / Compact Steep Spectrum sources. Infrared-Faint Radio Sources are a new and rare type of object, which we found originate from the early universe. We found a population of over 1300 of the brightest ones, and directly measured their distance for the first time, which revealed that they are 10-12 billion light years away. Gigahertz-Peaked Spectrum / Compact Steep Spectrum sources are thought to have only recently become active, but are poorly understood at faint levels. We have observed the faintest population of them so far and found that the majority have indeed only recently become active.

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Artist / Scientists Residencies (House of Wonder)3. Katie Turnbull + Graeme Wong

Katie Turnbull0409 093 409Katie@katieturnbull.com

Artist Statement

My background in animation has seen my practice extend from digital screen based work to films, apps and kinetic sculpture. I see my work as ‘time based sculpture’. Taking as my subject matter the history of the moving image, the natural environment, mapping of place and experience, psychology and patterns in crowd behaviour. My work explores these themes through combining pre-cinema objects, mapping, animation and new media technology.

My most recent works take data from maps, GPS tracking technology and personal data in line with the phenomenon of ‘the quantified self’ and transposes this data between mediums to create, what I see as a new form of mapping. Maps contain records of experience, a worldview, cognitive schema and culture. These maps are a way to describe and show a place in a way that elicits an emotive response. Experimentation is an important aspect of my practice, with an emphasis on process, intuition, and innovation.

I am interested in galaxy clusters and dark matter. I am curious to explore the almost inverted sense of time when exploring the clusters and translating that to a video based word accompanied by kinetic sculptures. I like exploring gaps in process, communication and cognitive function. I can see a link between the concept of dark matter and ideas about inaction in human psychology. I like the idea of a work that speaks to the complex structures so distant from us, and also the complex structures within us that seen equally as distant.

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Graeme WongGwong.astro@gmail.com

Star Formation and the Structure of Molecular Clouds

The focus of my research is understanding the structure of the molecular clouds, possible birth place of stars, towards parts of the Milky Way galaxy.

Star formation can begin when the dense cloud core/s within molecular clouds, made up of interstellar gas and dust, collapse under their own weight/gravity. The whole formation process, from molecular cloud to star can take about 10 million years. To understand the star formation process we need to understand the initial conditions which could trigger these series of events. Understanding the structure and what it is comprised of, can help us identify the areas where new stars can possibly form.

Most recently, I have been using the 22-m Mopra radio telescope, located near Coonabarabran, New South Wales, to detect Carbon dioxide towards our Galaxy.

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Session 8 - Commissioned Artwork -‘Sound ship (descender 1)’

David HainesJoyce Hinterdingstarlitworld@gmail.comhttp://www.haineshinterding.net0424 726 295

Abstract: David and Joyce will discuss the conceptualization and production of their latest artwork Sound ship (descender 1). This work was commissioned for Gravity (and Wonder) exhibition at Penrith Regional Gallery by the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences.

The launch of a payload to the upper atmosphere, to drop at great velocity, recording sound and vision is described thus by David:

‘We couldn’t have dreamed for a better outcome, the footage is utterly beautiful and dramatic, gobsmacking and unbelievable– the descent under gravity is incredible because our parachute failed to deploy properly : ) luckily it didn’t hit anyone on landing, Aeolian instruments making beautiful sound on the ascent and descent’.

‘We went very high for a balloon, 33.771 m – lowest temp was -62 degrees’

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Artist Bios

David HainesDavid Haines has been a practicing artist for over twenty years. In that time he has exhibited extensively within Australia and internationally. He was born in London in 1966 and lives and works in the Blue Mountains, NSW. His work covers a wide range of approaches and techniques including video, sound, sculpture, photography and painting. Since 2004 he has been working with aroma and has been developing an extensive library of aroma molecules. Haines has been represented in the Adelaide Biennale of Australian Art, 2004 Sydney Biennale, 2002 Tarrawarra Biennale 2012 and The Kuandu Biennale 2014.He has exhibited his work in many major contemporary and experimental art spaces around the world including; Tate Liverpool, The Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney, Artspace Sydney, Artspace Auckland, Institute of Modern Art, Brisbane, The Contemporary Art Centre of South Australia, Scott Donovan Gallery Sydney, and Breenspace Sydney.

Joyce Hinterding

Joyce Hinterding’s work explores physical and virtual dynamics. Her practice is based on investigations into energetic forces, through custom built field recording and monitoring technologies. These explorations into acoustic and electromagnetic phenomena have produced large sculptural antenna works, experimental drawings, video and sound-producing installations and experimental audio works for performance. She often collaborates with artist David Haines to produce large scale immersive video and sound works that explore the tension between the fictive and the phenomenal. Joyce currently lives in The Blue Mountains, NSW, Australia, she is represented by Breenspace, Sydney, her audio work has been released by antiopic and she lectures at Sydney College of the Arts, Sydney University.

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Session 9 – Plenary – Art + Science - Disciplines in Company

Chair: Natasha Mitchell

Participants:

Professor Fred WatsonDavid Haines / Joyce Hinterding (Artists)Vicki Sowry (ANAT)Shaun Parker (Performer)

Questions / discussion to be shaped by the day’s events / discussion

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Session 10 - Hindenburg Mix – Digital Film (screening will close symposium)

Barton Staggs (Composer)Hindenburg Mix III for piano, strings and tape is the third ‘mix’ or movement of an orchestral work exploring weightlessness that I wrote in 2001 for the BBC Philharmonic orchestra. The starting point for the work was the recollection of a passenger on the Hindenburg airship who later recalled that on take-off “… the ground actually seemed to be leaving us, rather than we leaving it; there was no motion …”

Barton studied composition at the University of Sydney with Peter Sculthorpe and was awarded a Tait Memorial Trust Scholarship for postgraduate study in composition at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester. Barton’s music has been performed by Ensemble Offspring, the Tankstream Quartet, Claire Edwardes, the Elektra String Quartet and the BBC Philharmonic under James MacMillan. Barton is active as a composer and sound designer for site-specific and screen based digital media artworks.

An invitation to participate in the Gravity and Wonder symposium presented an opportunity to work with filmmaker Alex Ryan to realise a new version of the work. Herein, composition and archival footage of the Hindenburg – its construction in Friedrichchafen, Germany, and its tragic spectacular demise at the Lakehurst Naval base in New Jersey in 1937 - provide a poetic evocation of the event.

Alex Ryan (filmmaker)

Alex Ryan is a film director and writer based in Sydney, Australia. A graduate of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) and the Australian Film Television and Radio School (AFTRS), Alex has directed award winning short films and music clips, usually dealing with characters on the edge of society – explorers, rebels and scapegoats.

His latest short, Ngurrumbang, screened at festivals around Australia and internationally, was a Dendy Awards Finalist at the 2013 Sydney Film Festival and was nominated for best direction in a short film at the 2014 Australian Director’s Guild Awards. In 2015 he launched his own production company, Wedgetail Productions, specialising in aerial cinematography.

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Alex was recently awarded the Lexus Australia short film fellowship and funding to make his next short, ‘Red Ink’, which will have its premiere screening at the 2017 Sydney Film Festival.

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