How can art contribute to a public understanding of science in an era of existential threats?
On Wednesday 15th November PubSci is delighted to welcome award-winning sculptor, Briony Marshall, who draws on a Masters degree in biochemistry to create science-inspired sculptures and installations. In this talk she will explore the role of art in communicating science and the place of science in understanding art.
[Free to attend but donations to running costs are greatly appreciated]
Sculpture of the cyclohexane molecule at Tonbridge School (Credit: Briony Marshall)
Good sci-art goes beyond simply illustrating a topic, it offers insights into the deeper meanings behind (and implications of) its subject matter. Blending an Oxford science background with a fine art training, Briony sees art practice as a form of research and asks what artists can contribute that goes beyond traditional scientific methodology.
So, is “Sci-Art” just science-as-art or can it also be art-as-science? Is it possible to combine art and science without compromising either? Briony believes it is not only possible, it is essential to do so.
Briony’s latest public artwork, Plastic Mountain, was created with schools, volunteers and other members of the community in West Norwood to highlight the persistence of microplastic waste in the environment. It remains on public view outside West Norwood Library and Picture house until mid November. See it if you can – details here.
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Layers of Bournemouth. Briony Marshall
For this talk, Briony will look at neuroaesthetics from an artist’s point of view and consider how art can contribute to the public understanding of, and respect for, science. She will also share her own experiences as an artist deciding what projects to work on in our age of complex and existential threats.
Once again we’ll be using Eventbrite ticketing for this event. Book early to avoid disappointment.
Don’t forget that PubSci doesn’t charge an entry fee as such, but we rely entirely on attendee contributions to cover the cost of running these events.
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Join us upstairs at the Old King’s Head, near London Bridge station. Doors open at 6.30pm for a 7pm start. The Old King’s Head has a happy hour before 7pm, and the kitchen serves excellent pub grub.
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About the speaker
Briony in the sculpture studio at Pangolin London
Briony Marshall MRSS is a professional sculptor and installation artist who finds solace and meaning in science. To quote her heroine, Rachel Carson: “Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure [a lifetime].”
She has a Masters in Biochemistry from Oxford University and a diploma in Fine Arts from The Art Academy where she is now Head of Professional Development as well as pursuing her own sculpture practice from her London studio.
While at Oxford she was editor of both The Oxford Student and ISIS.
In 2021 she founded Planet STEAM to help people of all ages and backgrounds understand and appreciate science by creating public artworks which explore today’s world and the complicated threats and opportunities faced by society.
She has been a member of the Royal Society of Sculptors since 2008 and in 2016 she became one of the ‘175 Face of Chemistry’ in celebration of the 175th anniversary of the Royal Society of Chemistry.
Her latest public art commission, Plastic Mountain, juxtaposes society’s addiction to disposable plastics with the geological ages of the Earth. It remains on show outside West Norwood Library until mid-November and has attracted local and national media interest.
Briony is currently campaigning for a public sculpture in honour of Kathleen Lonsdale, the pioneering pacifist, prison reformer and X-ray crystallographer who proved the structure of the Benzene ring and gave the world 3-d molecular models using ping pong balls!
Don’t miss the chance to join Briony at PubSci this November at ‘Art and science in an age of fear’
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There is no charge for attending PubSci talks, but we have a whip-round to cover expenses. Because so few of us carry cash these days, you can contribute digitally too by putting a few quid in the virtual whip-round. Please help PubSci continue to put on events.
We aim to keep PubSci accessible for all, although it is unsuitable for under 18s as we meet in the function room of a pub. Regrettably, there is no wheelchair access.
Please check our Future Events page where you can also subscribe to our iCal feed. You can find all our links on our LinkTree.
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We used to meet on the first Wednesday of the month but PubSci is now on the third Wednesday.
Address:
The Old King’s Head (upstairs room)
King’s Head Yard
45-49 Borough High Street
London SE1 1NA
Mike Williamson is a Post-Doctoral Research Associate at the Institute of Zoology, the research division of the Zoological Society of London (the global conservation organisation best known to children as Regents Park Zoo). He works at the interface of conservation, climate change and biodiversity, seeking to minimise the impact human-activity has on the natural world.
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