The University of Arizona Health Sciences SensorLab, in collaboration with the College of Fine Arts and the College of Science’s Department of Astronomy, has initiated an intriguing multimedia project called PlanetScape. This innovative venture harmoniously combines the realms of art and science to create a distinctive sensory experience that captivates both the artists and the scientists involved.
At the heart of PlanetScape is the exploration of leaving our planet to navigate the unexplored. It delves into inquiries about potential destinations, the duration of locating a habitable place, and the possibility of adapting to an alien environment. These stimulating concepts are the driving force behind the project’s artistic and scientific endeavours.
The multimedia experience materialised within the SensorLab, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the exhibition and engage with three exoplanets – a lava world, an ice world, and a water world. Sophisticated depth-sensing cameras and software facilitated visual interactions between visitors and the alien landscapes.
In addition to the SensorLab exhibition, PlanetScape was also showcased as a live performance at Crowder Hall. This performance synergised music, science, visual art, and technology, delivering a dynamic and multidimensional experience for the audience. Equipment provided by the SensorLab enabled the dancers to interact with celestial bodies, elevating the engagement level of the live performance.
Dr. Chris Impey, a prominent astronomer at the Steward Observatory, imparted his insights regarding the potential of habitable planets. He suggested that there could be as many as 20 billion habitable worlds in the Milky Way galaxy alone. This scientific backdrop served as the foundation for the narrative woven through PlanetScape’s art and performance elements.
The collaborative effort between art and science also shed light on the influential impact of art on human health. Dr. Peter Torpey, Director of the Live and Immersive Arts Program in the College of Fine Arts, conveyed his conviction in the profound connection between art and mental well-being. He underscored the calming effects of music on individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, underscoring the profound impact that art can have on human emotions and mental health.
The storyline of PlanetScape follows the protagonist as she finds a new home on a water world, where liquid water is vital for life. The ambiguity surrounding whether she departed Earth due to destruction or out of human curiosity adds an element of thought-provoking complexity to the narrative. This raises a critical question about the future of our planet and the potential necessity for humanity to seek a new abode.
The collaboration at PlanetScape sparked a new wave of creativity and unconventional thinking. Dr. Gustavo de Oliveira Almeida, Coordinator of the SensorLab, expressed how these innovative projects stretched the boundaries of their customary scientific pursuits, paving the way for new applications and scientific discoveries.
PlanetScape truly serves as a testament to the potency of intertwining art, science, and technology to fuel the imagination and curiosity of both the creators and the audience. It has opened up new avenues for artistic and scientific exploration, leaving a lasting impact on all involved.
For more information:
Brian Brennan
University of Arizona Health Sciences Office of Communications
520-621-3510
[email protected]
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