Contexts of Encounter: How and Where to Criticise Art and Science

Abstract

Art and science as a practice and interdiscipline must bear the weight of critical discourse if it is to be anything more than a lightweight cultural artefact, or window dressing to one or other of its constituent practices. In this short article I briefly review the possible unintended consequences of post-humanism for art and science (A&S), and, re-asserting the value of the Science and Technology Studies (STS) critique, sketch its often unrecognised compatibility with research-based contemporary art. The essay goes on to reflect on how different spaces of display can bring one or another discipline to predominate in the presentation of A&S. The need for neutral, interdisciplinary spaces of display for A&S is highlighted, along with the value of curation as critical practice.