http://www.nhm.ac.uk/press/nature_of_history.html (Einblicke ins Internet, 10/1995)For immediate release: June 1995.
PRESS PREVIEW: THURSDAY 29 JUNE , 10.30am - MIDDAY
EXHIBITION OPEN: 30 JUNE - 28 AUGUST, 1995.
The Nature of History, a ground-breaking new interactive video and computer installation on the theme of evolution, opens this summer at The Natural History Museum.
One of the largest and most ambitious electronic art projects ever in the U.K., the exhibition, created by artist Simon Robertshaw in collaboration with photographer Sinclair Stammers, is the first of its kind to be staged at the Museum.
Imaginatively combining the two cultures of art and science, the exhibition comprises a series of powerful and arresting images of the natural world, including greatly enlarged real-time microscope shots of two living ecosystems - a culture of wild bacteria and protozoa and nematodes and mites - as well as spectacular time-lapse and morphing sequences. Alongside these, further video, photographic and computer-generated material provides a vivid illustration of current and historical thinking on genetics and biological evolution - from Darwinian theories of natural selection to the latest developments in the rapidly expanding field of artificial life.
Another key element, one which casts interesting light on the central subject of evolutionary behaviour, is a specially developed 'intelligent camera' which 'selects' individual visitors, tracks their movements around the gallery and, when selected, causes them to precipitate changes in their immediate visual environment. This mode of interaction - very different from the button-pushing or touch-screen displays normally found in the Museum - is designed to encourage visitors to explore and engage with the space. This degree of viewer participation, allied to the artists' imaginative treatment of the evolutionary debate, is expected to stimulate wider interest in evolutionary theory, an area in which The Natural History Museum has an acknowledged and long-standing pre-eminence.
Simon Robertshaw has developed the exhibition in consultation with Museum scientist, Dr Chris Stringer and with the help of Robert Kruszynski from the Human Origins section in the Department of Palaeontology. Computer scientist, Dr Duncan Gillies from Imperial College, London, and students Richard Shackleton and Indad Ali Ismaili, have also been closely involved in developing the innovative 'intelligent camera' technology.
The Nature of History has been commissioned by Film and Video Umbrella and The Arts Catalyst in association with The Natural History Museum. The exhibition is part of The Arts Catalyst's SUPERNOVA '95 Festival - a sequence of art events focusing on the cutting edge of scientific research and technological developments, by leading scientists and artists working together to create new and exciting science-inspired art.
The main corporate supporter of the project is global communications and computer company AT&T. The Museum is also grateful for support from London Arts Board, The Arts Council of England and London Film and Video Development Agency.
PUBLIC LECTURE, FRIDAY 30 JUNE,12.30pm (45 mins.)
'Where did we come from - where are we now?'
by Dr Chris Stringer, Human Origins section, Department of Palaeontology.
Dr Stringer's lecture reviews recent developments in the study of human evolution, including our African origins, the first Europeans and the rise of Homo sapiens.
Free to Museum visitors. To be held in the Museum's Palaeontology Demonstration Room. Suitable for ages twelve and upwards. No booking required.
CATALOGUE:
A 32 page colour catalogue will be produced to accompany the exhibition.
ADMISSION: Adults £5.50, Children £2.80, Concessions £3.00, Family Ticket (two adults and four children) £15.00. Children under 5 years free. Includes entry to The Nature of History exhibition and all other permanent exhibitions and galleries.
The Natural History Museum is open Monday - Saturday 10.30am - 5.50pm; Sunday 11.00am - 5.50pm.
-ENDS-
For further information, to obtain photographs/arrange interviews, or if you would like to speak to representatives from Film and Video Umbrella or The Arts Catalyst, please contact Susan Barber, Senior Press Officer, The Natural History Museum, on (0171)-938 9388.
Ref:025/95/1605/SB Issued: May 1995.