Drawing Processes of Life: Molecules, Cells, Organisms

Drawing Processes of Life is a collaborative project by biologists, philosophers, and artists that aims to represent biological processes through drawing and demonstrate the scientific value of drawing as a method. It draws on the work of Gemma Anderson and John Duprés and includes contributions from leading scholars in the field. The perspectives presented are of interest to artists, scientists, philosophers, students, and post-doctoral researchers.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 362 pages
Publication date: 02 October 2023
Publisher: Intellect Books

Drawing Processes of Life is a collaborative effort that brings together biologists, philosophers, and artists to explore innovative ways of representing our evolving perspective on life. It manifests as a mutually beneficial symbiosis, where identities undergo transformation, information and nutrients are exchanged, and new organisms emerge. This project originated from an AHRC-funded interdisciplinary endeavor, drawing inspiration from Gemma Anderson's work on the methodological and epistemological significance of drawing in biological research and her collaborative exploration of visualizing living biological processes through artistic means. Additionally, it incorporates John Dupré's recent insights into biology as a process and the importance of developing representations that accurately capture the processual nature of biological systems.

The book serves two interconnected purposes: firstly, it aims to demonstrate effective methods for representing biological processes through drawing, showcasing the scientific value of this artistic approach. Secondly, it places this work within a broader historical and contemporary context, examining the intricate relationships between art and science. The project outcomes are intricately intertwined with the contributions of esteemed scholars in the field. Many of these contributions also highlight the challenges posed by the processual nature of biological phenomena, which is a central focus of Anderson and Dupré's own research.

Contributors to this book include Chiara Ambrosio, Heather Barnett, Alessio Corti, Katharina Lee Chichester, Johannes Jaeger, Wahida Khandker, Jonathan Phillips, Berta Verd, James Wakefield, and Janina Wellmann. The foreword is written by Scott F. Gilbert, and the afterword is contributed by Sarah Gilbert and Scott F. Gilbert.

The perspectives presented herein constitute a comprehensive and indispensable set of themes that resonate with artists, scientists, philosophers, students, and postdoctoral researchers alike. This work offers valuable insights and perspectives that will contribute to the ongoing dialogue between these disciplines and foster interdisciplinary collaboration.

Weight: 738g
Dimension: 170 x 244 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789387667
Edition number: New ed