Join us for an evening at the intersection of art and science with RMBL scientist Paul CaraDonna and artist Mark Dorf. For the past several summers, RMBL has been hosting artists up at Gothic to work alongside scientists. As researchers count flowers and analyze data, our artists in residence observe the scientific method while embarking on their own artistic process. The artists and scientists compare techniques, inviting a reciprocal learning opportunity — how can art influence science? And how can science transform art? The “RMBL Art – Science Exchange” was born from creative discussions between RMBL scientists. Dr. Paul Caradonna, a community ecologist, brought the idea to life, when he invited the first artist in residence to spend a summer in Gothic in 2013.

In 2022, Mark Dorf was RMBL’s Artist in Residence. The project he developed from his summer at RMBL, “A New Nature”, is a digital representation that explores how technology shapes our perception of the natural world, blending simulations with real-life expectations. Scenes from “A New Nature” played every day during April of 2023 at Times Square in New York City.

We will begin with a screening of Dorf’s experimental film, “A New Nature”, followed by a dynamic presentation exploring their long-time art/science collaboration. We will conclude the event with a panel discussion and Q&A.

Paul CaraDonna, PhD, has been conducing ecological research at the Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory since 2011. He is a professor at the Chicago Botanic Garden and Northwestern University. In addition to his scientific research, he has directed the Art-Science Exchange Project at the RMBL, an innovative artist residency program that seeks to enhance the intellectual collaboration between science and art.

Mark Dorf, MFA, is a New York based artist whose practice uses photography, video, digital media, and sculpture. Often working directly with scientists in the production of his works, Dorf’s practice focuses on human’s perceptions of and interactions with what is commonly called “Nature”, urbanism, design, and virtual environments.

Since 2014, CaraDonna and Dorf have been collaborating at the intellectual confluence of science and art with the goal of exploring different ways of understanding the world we live in.