A Case for the Intentional Mis-Use of Scientific Tools and Processes as a Productive Approach to Art/Science Research

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Kirschner, Carolyn. 2024. 'A Case for the Intentional Mis-Use of Scientific Tools and Processes as a Productive Approach to Art/Science Research'. In: S+T+ARTS Symposium: Exploring the Intersections of Arts, Science, Technology and Society as Catalysts for Change. Universitat Oberta de Catalunya (UOC), Barcelona, Spain 29 - 30 October 2024. [Conference or Workshop Item] (Forthcoming)

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Abstract or Description

Abstract:
This presentation will explore the intentional mis-use of scientific tools and technologies as a productive methodological approach to research in the context of art/science projects – and will reflect on the inherent challenges this presents with regards to impact assessment.

Scientific research is steered by clear metrics and methodological frameworks. There are correct ways of using scientific equipment, standards and procedures to follow in data collection, and established approaches for the dissemination and impact assessment of research. This is of course foundational to the sciences, in order to produce reliable and reproducible results.

Productive art/science collaborations, however, often seek out or emerge from spaces of playful experimentation, error, or accident – beyond the boundaries of established disciplinary methodologies. By nature, this approach is then also more difficult to assess by established or standardised frameworks.

Drawing on a range of projects (and some of my own work) at the intersection of art/science I will make the case for the merits of intentional mis-use of scientific tools and technologies as a creative research methodology. I will discuss ways in which this approach offers a productive and unconstrained space for interdisciplinary exchange, the chance for new perspectives on familiar processes/topics, and the conditions for a playful dynamic which can lead to unexpected discoveries.

Acknowledging that these are challenging qualities to assign metrics to when considering research impact, I will focus my analysis of each project on its potential short- and long-term implications for future interdisciplinary collaboration, and draw attention to the easily disregarded value in technological mis-use, error, and experimentation to discover new spaces for exchange between disciplines.

Item Type:

Conference or Workshop Item (Paper)