Dialogues on the border: Talk by artist Esther Ferrer and composer Tom Johnson

Although the relationship between different forms of knowledge may seem impossible, the truth is that in many cases the link between them is essential and inevitable. Arts and sciences are a living example of the connection existing between different fields of study. And although it can be difficult to think about how artistic creation and scientific research can coexist, the truth is that there are professionals who combine these disciplines in their daily work.

An example of this are the San Sebastian artist Esther Ferrer and the American minimalist composer Tom Johnson, the protagonists of the first edition of the program “Dialogues on the border”, which will be held on March 12 at 7:00 pm at the Bidebarrieta Library of Bilbao (Calle Bidebarrieta, 4).

The event, whose main objective is to create a space for dialogue between arts and sciences, will gather in the Basque capital, professors Josu Rekalde (Fine Arts) and Raúl Ibánez (Science and Technology) from the University of the Basque Country to discuss with Ferrer and Johnson the use of mathematics in their creative processes.

This event is part of the “Scientific Bidebarrieta” series, a monthly initiative organised by the Chair of Scientific Culture of the UPV/EHU and Bidebarrieta Library to discuss current scientific issues.

Speakers

The San Sebastian artist Esther Ferrer is a pioneer of the performance art and one of its top representatives in Spain. Her work has been recognised with multiple awards such as the National Plastic Arts Award (2008), the Gure Artea Award (2012) and Marie Claire de l’Art Contemporain Award (2014). In her works, exhibited all over the world, multiple references to mathematics appear (prime numbers, infinity in the Pi number, geometry, space and time …) related to minimalism, conceptual art and feminism.

The musician Tom Johnson is a minimalist and theoretic composer of American music. He uses simple forms, limited scales and mathematical elements such as combinatorics, symmetry, numbers or fractals for his compositions Some of his most outstanding works are the renowned Four Note Opera (1972), Rational Melodies (1982) and Kientzy Loops, awarded with the French national award “Victoires de la musique 2000”; or more recent melodies such as Galileo (2001), Mosaics (2002) or Vermont Rhythms (2008).

All of the talks are free, subject to available seating. However, attendees must request an invite at the library, from 7 to 12 March. Invitations can be collected from 10am to 2pm and from 4pm to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

For those who are not able to attend, the talks are streamed live here.