Arts at CERN, the innovative art program at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, has opened its doors to Dutch artist Joan Heemskerk, a member of the renowned art collective JODI. Her one-month residency at the laboratory promises to be a compelling exploration of the intersection between art, technology, and science.
Joan Heemskerk is no stranger to pushing artistic boundaries. As a pioneer of web-based art during the mid-1990s, her work encompasses a wide array of media, including video, websites, video games, performances, and installations. She is celebrated for her examination of the norms and challenges inherent in the languages of the internet and computer programs.
During her residency, Heemskerk will be immersing herself in a project named “Alice & Bob after Clay +=-> Hello, World!” Drawing inspiration from Tim Berners-Lee’s vision at CERN, where he proposed that all scientists should be able to exchange ideas, Heemskerk’s project aims to craft a new universal language. This endeavor centers around a re-examination of the cryptographic characters Alice and Bob, the material clay, and the iconic computer program “Hello, World!”
As part of her artistic journey, Heemskerk will engage with various aspects of the laboratory, from its facilities to in-depth conversations with physicists, engineers, and other CERN personnel. Her research will encompass exploring the transmission and exchange of information in CERN’s digital systems and contrasting this with the ancient practice of conveying information using materials like clay tablets. This intriguing juxtaposition has led her to examine archived computer-coded printouts from experimental physicist Louis Dick, as well as the intricate workings of the CMS experiment’s trigger and data acquisition systems.
On October 31 at 11 a.m., CERN’s Women in Technology group will host an event featuring Joan Heemskerk. This event will delve into her artistic approach and current research, followed by a Q&A session. It provides a unique opportunity to gain insight into the convergence of art and science.
Arts at CERN extends an invitation to scientists, engineers, and anyone interested in engaging with Heemskerk to meet the artist in person. These interactions offer a platform for in-depth discussions about ongoing research, the exploration of shared areas of interest, and involvement in Heemskerk’s artistic projects. For those eager to reach out to the artist or participate in her research, contact can be made through info.arts@cern.ch.
Joan Heemskerk’s residency at CERN is part of her Collide Copenhagen residency award, which will take her to Copenhagen next month. There, she will continue her exchanges with scientists and develop artwork for an upcoming exhibition at Copenhagen Contemporary, promising a fascinating bridge between art and science.