The Lab Project

The Lab Project is an experimental, month-long exhibition and events programme exploring the interactions between art and science. Over the course of three phases involving collaborations with scientists and members of the public, artists will engage in research and experiment with their practice through a series of workshops and knowledge exchange. Focusing their explorations around questions of sensory perception, multisensory integration and synaesthetic associations, each artist will produce or further develop a stimulating sensory and participatory piece for the final exhibition. The Lab Project is has emerged as part of Testbed, an annual initiative run by Camden Arts Centre's Front of House Volunteers.

The project will take place over three phases:

→ step #1: The Symposium [25 & 26 July 2015]

A playful take on the format of an academic conference, this two day event will gather scientists, curators, creative practitioners and members of the public to discuss the possible entanglements between art and science through the subject of multisensory interactions. Aimed at a non-specialist audience, these talks and activities will allow researchers, academics and practitioners to introduce their work to a wider public and to engage in cross-disciplinary dialogue.

The first day will focus on new media and technologies and their role in shaping how we perceive the world around us. The second day will explore the possibilities offered by sensory learning in the gallery space. The talks will be accompanied by a series of all-ages, family friendly workshops in the afternoon.

→ step #2: The Experiments [27 - 13 August 2015]

During the second phase, Kingsgate Workshops will be transformed into a studio space where the artists can conduct their experiments. Conceived as a mini-residency programme, Rose Pickles, Vivienne Du, Yen-Ting Cho and Yiyun Kang will each develop a work project or work inspired by an idea or thought process triggered in step #1.

On Saturday 8 August, the Gallery will be open to members of the public and visitors will be able to observe the artists’ progress through steps 1 and 2. The visiting public will also have the opportunity to contribute to the development of the final piece by participating in workshops led by the participating artists to test out new ideas and inform their practice.

→ step #3: The Final Exhibition [15 - 21 August 2015]

This experimental project will culminate in a week-long exhibition, with each artist creating a final piece that visitors can enjoy on multiple sensory levels. On arrival at the gallery space, ‘lab assistants’ will advise on the procedures of the visit and give visitors some background on the overall process. Breaking the rules of the traditional gallery space, visitors will be invited to take part in a fully interactive experience. They will navigate their own journey through a multisensory landscape featuring immersive installations, performance happenings and participatory encounters with cutting edge technology.