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YLEM Journal: Artists Using Science and Technology

Vol. 22, No. 2, January/February 2002
P.O. Box 749, Orinda, CA 94563, USA
http://www.ylem.org/flash/journal/year02.html.

Reviewed by Rob Harle
Australia

recluse@lis.net.au

YLEM (pronounced eylum) is Greek for "the exploding mass from which the universe emerged". It is the name of the journal under review and also of the "international organization of artists, scientists, authors, curators, educators and art enthusiasts who explore the intersection of the arts and sciences". Their web site is http://
www.ylem.org–if you’re interested in art and science; it is a must to visit.

This issue celebrates YLEM’S 20th anniversary, which is somewhat of a revelation in that only in the last few years has the interaction of science, art and technology become a seriously considered field of inquiry and activity. Of course, art has always commented on and investigated our technological achievements, such as space travel, but recently artists are using scientific equipment and processes to produce art that could not be realised in any other way. YLEM’s members, it seems, have been doing this for almost twenty years. The image by Grant Elliot (p. 6) is a wonderful example, entitled Starburst; it is the "interference contrast illumination of a defect of a semiconductor" (1994).

YLEM is acutely aware of the difference between science and technology; many use the terms synonymously and think that if they are creating art using a computer they are engaging in art and science, which is in most cases incorrec; it is more likely art with technology. As Stephen Wilson explains, "Artists have been much more involved with technology than science" (p. 3). This may be low or high technology and, of course, artists have been using low technologies for centuries.

Wilson further explains that art getting seriously involved in science is not without its detractors: "Many in the sciences and engineering may doubt that "dabbling" outsiders can be serious contributors [to new knowledge]" (p. 3). However, artists around the world are establishing their own research agendas and labs. With the support of such organizations as Leonardo, ANAT, Arts Catalyst and the Welcome Trust they will discover new things and spawn new technological innovations if for no other reason than bringing a different mind-set and creativity to existing problems.

The journal is illustrated with both good quality colour and black & white photographs, and the cover is simply a stunner. At first glance, I thought the cover was a holographic image but the editorial explains that this 3D imagery is known as "lenticular" printing. This is no Escher-like illusion; things actually move and change as the viewer moves his or her head.

To celebrate YLEM’s 20th anniversary, eighty members exhibited one work each at the SomArts Gallery, examples of these works are reproduced in this journal. The works included installations, sculptures, photographs, electronic jewellery, and digital prints.

My only criticism is that the journal is a bit too slim, almost anorexic. I think it could have benefited from one or two decent length critical essays to go with the terrific graphics. However, I get the feeling from this journal that YELM is a vibrant, cutting-edge organization interested in establishing links with similar organizations and interested individuals around the world to further the true interaction between science and art.

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