Science AMA Series: I’m an artist who translate scientific data into
sculptures and musical scores. AMA!
Abstract
Hi Reddit, My name is Nathalie Miebach and I am Boston-based artist who
translates scientific data related to ecology, climate change, and
meteorology into woven sculptures and musical scores. I find data very
poetic. By using somewhat unorthodox ways of representing data, I’m
trying to tap into more nuanced stories embedded in data that
traditional ways of scientific representations have a harder time
tapping into. My method of translation is principally that of
weaving—in particular, basket weaving—as it provides me with a
simple yet highly effective grid through which to interpret data in
three-dimensional space. Central to this work is my desire to explore
the role visual aesthetics play in the translation and understanding of
scientific information. I also translate weather data into musical
scores that are build entirely of weather data, but integrate human
experiences and interpretations of weather events. The juxtaposition of
objective data and more nuanced, subjective readings of weather, lead to
a musical/sculptural translation that explores how human emotions and
experiences influence the perception of weather. These musical scores
are translated into woven sculptures and are used in collaborative
performances with musicians / composers all over the country. We’ve had
over 11 concerts, called Weather Scores, and I’m getting ready to
organize the next one this Summer in Montreal, Canada! Check out my work
here and don’t miss my TED Talk as well as this BrainPickings write-up
of my work. My friends over at NOVA PBS (where some of my work is
featured on Instagram today: @novapbs) have a whole vertical dedicated
to climate change, they’re been reporting on it in their email
newsletter—sign up here, and their film, “Decoding the Weather
Machine,” premieres April 18 at 9/8c on PBS. One of the questions I
wrestle with in the studio everyday is whether or not data can ever be
approached and treated as an artistic medium or if the very act of
translating data into art destroys its objectivity that is part of the
integrity of information. Ask me any questions you have about data, art
/ science collaborations, data translation into 3D and music, or
anything else you’d like.