June, 2014

New conversations about the universe

Posted on: 23 June 2014 by John

 

The relationship between science and the arts is fraught. Because the abstract mathematical language of theoretical physics intrigues and repels non-scientists we sometimes forget that astrophysicists also talk about peanuts. How can art bring forward a playful storytelling that includes all of us in conversations about the universe?

The Department of Household Sciences & Advanced Proverbs uses the methods of the kitchen, the basement workshop, and backyard play to nourish human understanding through touching, hearing, tasting, seeing and making.

Come explore ten hands-on models of the universe — search for the seven beanets of Beanetary System, play the giant bean-star game, take a bean bath, sound the bean rainsticks, taste seven bean chili, sew a bean bag — at my ninth independent project for Scotiabank Nuit Blanche Toronto, Dried Beans Models of the Universe from the Department of Household Sciences & Advanced Proverbs, at St. Matthew's United Church, 729 St. Clair Avenue West, Toronto on 4-5 October.