Inside Rensselaer, February 3, 2012: EMPAC Presents

EMPAC Presents:


	John D. Barrow: Better Than a Thousand Words February 8 The Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) presents famed physicist John D. Barrow, who will discuss the observer effects principle and the impact of images on the development of science throughout history. From the first graphs and illustrated books to MolScript; from the first pictures of spiral galaxies in Van Gogh's Starry Night to the Hubble Space Telescope; and from the atomic bomb's mushroom cloud to the intricacy of fractals, this talk will examine the past influence of pictures in science and the growing influence of visual expression today. Barrow is a cosmologist who studies the early history of the universe, the mathematical structure of cosmological models, and ways in which astronomy and cosmology can be used to test aspects of fundamental physics. He has been a professor of mathematical sciences at Cambridge University since 1999. The talk begins at 6 p.m. in the EMPAC Theater. Admission is free.


	Zbigniew Oksuita: A Biological Future? February 14



	Using biological polymers as construction material, Rensselaer Architecture Professor Zbigniew Oksiuta will present his research on creating biological living habitats and projects developed by his students. The talk will take place Tuesday, Feb. 14, in the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC). Oksiuta develops living biological habitats by combining art, architecture, engineering, and the biological sciences. In this two-part lecture, presented as part of the "Detail View: Campus Perspective" series, Oksiuta will examine dynamic systems that transfer information and energy through a liquid medium. Using biological polymers as building material, he has developed liquid, jelly-like, and rigid shapes on a human scale for unusual gravitational conditions, which enable the development of new kinds of living habitats in the biosphere and in space. The talk begins at noon in the EMPAC Theater. Admission is free. For more information, go to empac.rpi.edu/events/2012/spring/detailview/oksiuta.


	onedotzero: poemetrics February 16 The Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center (EMPAC) will present an entertaining series of shorts that looks at expressive moving image work based on or inspired by poetic texts. Curated by onedotzero and produced in partnership with EMPAC, poemetrics is a series of shorts that looks at expressive moving image work, from treated live action to animation via motion graphics that are based on or inspired by poetry or poetic texts. These form a visual investigation of the words in poetic motion, enriching the meanings and enhancing the understanding. The program's variety of works are entertaining, surprising, and beautiful, showing the combined power of moving image with poetry to thoughtful effect. onedotzero is an international moving image and digital arts organization that commissions, showcases, and promotes innovation across all aspects of moving image, digital, and interactive arts. The screening begins at 7:30 p.m. in the EMPAC Theater. Admission is $6.