SP24 Making Art for Scientists

Day/Time: 10 Saturdays starting February 24, 11:00am-1:30pm

There is no class March 23.  

Location: MIT Arts Studios, W20-425

Instructor: Timothy Lee

This intermediate studio course is designed for scientists and engineers conducting research who want to bridge the gap between their academic topics of interest with representation in a visual language. We will approach the process of making art from a scientific framework, emphasizing research, experimentation, and reflection. Students will be prompted to develop a series of works that stem from their research practices, and think about how their materials and artistic processes can relay information within the sciences. We will spend the first class talking about our research and how you plan to make a body of work about a specific concern, before making a plan for production. Classes will include discussions about artists who work at the intersection of art and science/technology, and the class schedule may involve trips to see relevant exhibitions (to be announced to students 1-2 weeks prior). Students may work within the realms of abstraction or representation, but should have prior experience in working within these respective fields as foundational techniques will not be covered.

This class is geared towards students who are currently pursuing academic research in the sciences/engineering. Prior experience in art-making is strongly encouraged – for students without prior experience in visual arts please sign up for the introductory drawing/painting classes instead.

Materials: Your choice of materials will depend on your interest in drawing or painting.  Use the links below to download basic materials lists. Please purchase your materials prior to the first class according to your needs (additional materials may be discussed with the instructor during class time).

Drawing Materials List

Painting Materials List