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Art and Science Collide in Futuristic Health Care Exhibition
In a groundbreaking collaboration, art and science are coming together to envision the future of health care. The Artist + Researcher 2023 exhibition, organized by the Phoenix Bioscience Core Arts Committee, has paired health science researchers with artists to produce unique interpretations of their research. With wearable devices as the central focus, the exhibition presents a striking collection of images that could be mistaken for characters in a sci-fi movie.
One of the collaborations featured in the exhibition is between College of Health Solutions Assistant Professor Chad Stecher and artist James Angel. Inspired by Stecher’s work on wearable devices, Angel utilized artificial intelligence tools to generate images that represent his interpretation of the research. The result is a visually stunning collection titled Future Health Outcomes: The Rise of Experimental Behavior Health Economics.
The exhibition, which utilizes augmented reality to showcase a myriad of images, opens to the public on August 19th at the Bentley Gallery in downtown Phoenix. It will run until August 26th.
Stecher’s research involves the use of AI tools to analyze health data from wearables and design behavioral supports. The collaboration with Angel, who also relies on AI tools for generating and ideating, proved to be an instant connection. Together, they sifted through thousands of images to select the most impactful ones for the exhibition.
The second collaboration in the exhibition features ASU sociologist Barret Michalec and textile artist Ann Morton. Michalec’s research on emotional contagion, the innate ability of humans to empathize with others, served as the inspiration for Morton’s interpretation. Their exhibit, titled EC Corps, showcases a fictitious resistance group that aims to reignite emotional resonance and interpersonal connectivity in an increasingly tech-dominated world.
The fusion of art and science in this exhibition has provided novel perspectives for the researchers involved. Stecher expressed his appreciation for seeing his research through Angel’s eyes, as it has sparked new ideas and motivated future projects. He also mentioned the possibility of future collaborations, especially for interventions related to medication adherence.
The exhibition serves as a testament to the vast potential of wearable devices in revolutionizing the field of health care. By integrating artistic interpretations, it allows for a broader exploration of the implications and possibilities of these technologies.
The Artist + Researcher 2023 exhibition proves that when art and science collide, innovative ideas and visionary concepts emerge. It invites viewers to contemplate the future of health care and the transformative role of wearable devices. Through the creative lens of artists like James Angel and Ann Morton, we are offered a glimpse into a world where science fiction meets reality.
As the exhibition opens its doors to the public, visitors will undoubtedly be captivated by the fusion of art and science and the boundless potential it represents. With each image and interpretation, they will be transported to a future where health care is no longer confined to the realm of imagination but is rather a tangible reality that awaits us.
