Erica Tandori is a legally blind artist, researcher and academic, exploring the intersection between art, vision loss and science. Erica's PhD focused on capturing the entoptic effects of macular dystrophy through art, conveying an ‘eye-witness’ account of blindness. As Artist in Residence at the Rossjohn Infection and Immunity Lab, Monash University, Erica creates multi-sensory, multimodal artworks communicating biomedical research to blind and low vision audiences across Australia.
ABSTRACT OF ARTWORKS
Despite the global impact of SARS 2 COVID 19, Erica is continuing to produce works for eventual public exhibition, including the United Nations AI for Good Global Summit 2020. Erica is creating a series of Sensory Science sculptural artworks using natural materials in combination with robotics, 3D and AI technologies, intensifying the exhibition experience and accessibility for low vision and blind audiences. These works are being developed with the generous support and assistance of world leading scientists and technology experts from leading Australian Universities, including, the Rossjohn Lab, Monash University, Swinburne University’s Interaction Design Lab (IxDLAB), and ProtoLAB, UNSW Structural Biology Department, and The Creators Fund, Arts Victoria. Combining the natural intelligence of biological forms and natural materials that give texture and form, mimicking the surface (as seen with electron microscopes) of molecules and cells with robotics, 3D printing, man-made materials, sonification, data systems and AI, these works heighten multi modal and multi-sensory perceptions, enabling greater access and participation for blind or low vision audiences and those with other disabilities. Works will include a nest of HIV capsids that interact with sound, touch and novel displays, interactive HIV and sensor driven mutating Corona virus sculptures.
These works will incorporate the interactive design specialization of internationally acclaimed digital musician and instrument designer Stu Favilla (IxDLAB). Stu’s recent work includes digital works for both audio and video exploring artificial life and intelligence. Informed by the knowledge that many people with disability are precluded from participation in art, science, education and employment, these Sensory Science artworks express the United Nations Sustainable Development, AI and Artistic Intelligence goals, and responsible narratives on the future of AI and technology to the broadest audience possible. Inspiring children, students and adults of all abilities to have access to quality science through multisensory, multimodal means, these works advance many of the UNSD goals including SDG 1: No Poverty, SDG 3; Good Health and Well-Being, SDG 4; Quality Education , SDG 5; Gender Equality, and SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth.
