Memory and Mind
A collaborative art and science exhibition from the Art+Science Project 2024.
Curated by Pam McKinlay and Katharine Allard.

When
08 July 24
–
20 July 24
The tenth Art and Science project takes “memory and mind” as its broad focus.
Memory is laid down through connections with habitat, local environment and each other. It is held in spaces between beings, often outside of human experience. What can we learn from other beings who have different sensory apparatus and perception of the world such as bees and whales? How do plants communicate with each other and across time? Why are we transported by sensory associations from our memories – the resonance of a karanga or a sonata, the smell of rain on hot earth? Where and how is experience stored, and how do we carry memory, so fleeting and lasting? Against this backdrop we explore our world at the intersection between humans and the much bigger, rest of our world.
From the earliest neuro-anatomical mapping of the brain’s neurons, to cellular networks which embody our memories, to the neural networks we are creating in AI, our memories define and will continuously re-define us and our behaviours. What is interface between an embodied person and an AI? What is at the centre of AI beyond its function. AI is built back from purpose not built forward from something that is within an ecological system. What is an AI rock or bee? What happens when the power goes off?
This exhibition is part of the Art+Science Project 2024 in association with the Science NanoFest.
Creative Workshops and Public Programme
Writers Night
Join us for an evening of micro-fiction as authors from the National Flash Fiction Day Awards share their short prose and spoken word writings in response to selected art-science artworks. They will be joined by authors and artists from Art+Memory project.
Cost: Free | Light refreshments
Hosted by National Flash Fiction Day Awards
Meet the Scientists floor talks
Join us to hear from scientists who contributed to the Memory + Mind exhibition. Explore the exhibition with the experts on hand to answer your questions.
Scientists will include Dr Janice Lord (Botany), Dr Yusuf Cakmak (Anatomy), Dr Jenny Jandt (Zoology) and Kane Fleury and Shannah Rhynard-Geil (Tūhura Otago Museum - Moa Group).
Cost: Free | Light refreshments provided.
Hosted by Art+Science Project 2024.
Mahi Toi, Mahi ora
Mixed media mahi toi workshops hosted by local artists Savannah Kerekere and Michael-Lydia Winiana. During our workshop, you will experiment with a range of mediums and painting techniques to create a 3d masterpiece that really pops. You will be guided through the entire process and have total creative freedom to explore art and texture. Our workshops offer a fun and relaxing way of practicing mindfulness while you create a beautiful piece of artwork for your home or as a gift. For these specific workshops we will discuss what art + memory mean to us and use that kaupapa to influence and inspire our mahi toi.
Whaka papa workshop
Pamphlaterre Publications and the Dunedin City of Literature warmly invite you to the book launch of flows like water, by Pam McKinlay, with introduction by Bridie Lonie.
In flows like water, you will find a deep account of the kinds of discoveries one can make by bringing together artistic and scientific method in such a way that each approach speaks equally. This lavishly illustrated collection is an account of projects that she has made, curated, or been involved in, or all three.
RSVPs essential to pam.mckinlay@op.ac.nz
Whaka papa workshop
Q&A Panel Discussion - What is Art Science?
Join us for a riveting afternoon with our panel of experts as we discuss the relationships between artscience, sciart, environmental art and science communication and much much more.
Our panel of distinguished guests includes Dr Bridie Lonie, Dr Jenny Rock, Louise Beer and Jessie James Pickery.
Cost: Free | Light refreshments | Book here
BEE Creative workshops
Most of our native bees are solitary, which means that each female digs her own nest, lays eggs, forages for and defends her larvae all on her own.
Test your knowledge about pollinators in your backyard, local beach and local forests.
Help to create a floribunda artwork and learn how to support our native solitary bees.
Cost: Free | Numbers limited | Book here
Hosted by Art & Science Project and BEE Creative Participatory Science Platform Curious Minds Project: Events are designed to bring art, community, and science together to celebrate ngaro huruhuru, sharing knowledge of native bees and their value to our communities.