Nathalie Miebach
Nathalie Miebach, Boston Tides, 2006
reed, wood, string, acrylic, paint, paper, data, 6’ x 6’ x 2’
Lent by the Artist
What do climate change, environmental statistics, sculpture, and baskets have to do with each other? Everything, in Nathalie Miebach’s unusual artwork. Art and science are literally interwoven into complex sculptures that are three-dimensional interpretations of scientific data. Miebach’s giant warped baskets pierced by wooden dowels and balls are visual metaphors for the scientific measurements and observations that the artist has accumulated from different sources. For one project, she utilized NASA’s ozone watch Web site to gather information on changes in the ozone hole, and then produced a series of drawings on the subject. More recently she collaborated with two scientists to construct a homemade data collecting device that records light, temperature, and wind on Cape Cod. Through direct observation Miebach has studied other environmental factors such as bird migration and weather and erosion patterns. The artist subverts the traditional “function” of a woven basket from a vessel that holds objects to an abstracted sculpture that conveys information. And although the sculptures themselves are not actually used as tools for research, Miebach enticingly suggests that the potentiality exists when she wears the Antarctic Explorer sculpture as a backpack. — Rachel Rosenfield Lafo, Director of Curatorial Affairs
“My work focuses on the intersection of art and science and the visual articulation of scientific observations or theories. Using methodologies and processes of both disciplines, I translate scientific data related to physics, astronomy or climate change into three-dimensional structures. 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 into three-dimensional space.
Central to this work is my desire to explore the role visual aesthetics play in translation of science information. By utilizing artistic processes and everyday materials, I am trying to both question and expand the boundaries through which science data has been traditionally visually translated (ex: graphs, diagrams), while at the same time provoking the viewer and myself to rethink expectations of what kind of visual vocabulary is considered to be in the domain of ‘science’ or ‘art’.” — Nathalie Miebach
Nathalie Miebach will present an Artist Talk on Saturday, May 5 at 3 pm.
