Living Data

Science Art & Talks

The experiential process of observation and reflection is key to art and science
and is an essential component in understanding interdependence
of all species and ecosystems, terrestrial and aquatic.
Paul Fletcher Animator

Science Art & Talks
Living Data Program for the 2013 Ultimo Science Festival, Sydney, September 12-21.

Wake up, freak out, then get a grip    Animation by Leo Murray
A direct transmission of information which assumes an audience of rational beings

Sadly post-modern understanding of human behaviour shows that we are far less rational than we thought. Somewhat embarrassingly, it turns out that our behaviours and beliefs are actually determined by complex, invisible currents that flow beneath the surface of consciousness. These strongly influence us in ways that can result in behaviours which lead us in the exact opposite direction than would arise from a rational pursuit of our own best interests.

Leo Murray Royal College of Art

I'm not trying to persuade anyone that climate change is real. That's many rungs down the ladder of awareness. The implications of the most recent science are that there is a finite window of opportunity for effective action. After that window of opportunity we'll lose control. The biosphere will take over. I was concerned already but when I realised that, it changed the way I thought about the problem. Most people tend to think about it as a problem in the future that will be solved by people in the future. The reality is it's a problem in the future that can only be solved by us in the present. I had the realisation that if I was ever going to do anything about climate change I had to do it now.

Leo Murray, RSA Arts & Ecology interview

Read the fully referenced script and more.

Notes for exhibition designers:

This animation may be screened simultaneously on TV sets of various shapes and sizes stacked up on top of each other to resemble a city skyline. Headphones and a soft bench are available for people to listen in comfort. The system has been designed and built by Malcolm Cooper, Audio Visual services manager at Ultimo TAFE.