SP25 Making Art for Scientists

Day/Time: 10 Tuesdays starting February 18, 6:00 – 8:30 pm

There is no class March 25.  

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 beyond a literal interpretation as data visualization. Classes will include discussions about artists who work at the intersection of art and science/technology, the first half of the semester will be dedicated to ideation, planning and making prototypes with the second half dedicated to producing a singular, ambitious work. It is assumed that students entering this class already have a foundation in their medium of choice, and because of the close community that forms over the weeks together it is expected that students registering for this class commit to the full ten weeks together and arrive on time, unless absences are discussed ahead of time.

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: As students develop their project ideas, they will be required to purchase materials independently as needed.

Drawing Materials List

Painting Materials List