On Monday 26 June, the University of Sussex is set to host an engaging workshop and digital exhibition launch that delves into the fascinating intersection of science, visual culture, and museums. The event, which will take place at Fulton 111 on campus and via Zoom, promises to offer a unique perspective on the profound interplay between these fields.
The highlight of the event is the digital launch of an exhibition titled "Science, Humanism and the Making of Modern India." Previously showcased physically in Kolkata on January 10 2023, the exhibition has been ongoing at the Botanical Survey of India in the Indian Museum. Now, with the digital format, it aims to transcend geographical limitations and reach a wider audience.
The exhibition delves into a remarkable intellectual effervescence that took place in the early 20th century, leading to interdisciplinary debates on genetics, cytology, botany, and eugenics among scientists worldwide. Indian scientists played a crucial role in these discussions, reshaping the understanding of human beings' place in the natural world. The exhibition also sheds light on the contributions of Western-trained colonial scientists and highlights the pioneering work of Indian woman scientist E.K. Janaki Ammal.
The University of Sussex's project, "Science and the Colonies: Hidden Networks of Botanical Science, Ecology and Eugenics at the End of Empire," funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), has produced some of the research outputs featured in the exhibition. With approximately 60 photographs, many of them previously unseen and sourced from collections such as the John Innes Centre, Kew Gardens, Bodleian, and the BSI, the exhibition explores the role of race, gender, and indigenous knowledge in scientific practices during that period.
To complement the digital exhibition launch, the workshop offers an insightful exploration of the themes underpinning the exhibition. It aims to provide context and provoke thought on the deep connection between science, visual culture, and museums. Participants will engage in discussions surrounding past projects, examining the transformative moments when the arts and sciences have influenced and shaped one another.
A diverse range of scholars and experts are set to contribute to the event. Speakers include Antonia Moon from the British Library, Sarah Wilmot from the John Innes Centre, Ranee Prakash from the NHM, ZukySerper and Laharee Mitra from Sussex, Ben Burbridge from Sussex, Anindita Saha from Sussex, Angelos Theocharis from Durham, and film screenings by Susan Thomson and Shibaji Bose.
The workshop will run from 1pm to 5pm, with a tea break scheduled at 3.15 pm, allowing participants to engage in insightful conversations and gain a deeper appreciation for the captivating stories that intertwine art and science.
By embracing the power of visual culture, the organisers aim to foster a fresh perspective on science and encourage visitors to perceive it through an artistic lens. The exhibition and workshop aim to ignite a dialogue between the two disciplines, acknowledging their profound influence on each other and on society at large.
This unique event promises to be a transformative experience for attendees, unveiling new insights into the development of scientific knowledge in the colonial era and celebrating the intersection of art and science.