Exploratory Laboratory

The Jurassic Coast: 185 million years of history in 95 miles... an ever-changing landscape

This visual arts exhibition brought innovative methods and technology to rural Dorset that scientists are using to track and monitor the ever-changing landscape of this World Heritage site. The exhibition also featured the work of international and national artists who use state-of-the-art technological processes to create innovative contemporary work. Artists included Michael Eden, who uses highly complex technologies such as 3D mapping to create objects that are physically impossible to make with traditional pot-throwing methods, and Matt Chivers, who usestechnology to capture a human breath and present it as a three-dimensional sculpture. In contrast, scientists are using similar processes to map the coast and create 3D models to highlight the impact of the rising sea levels. A series of workshops, talks and demonstrations led by artists and scientists provided information and hands-on opportunities for further discovery of both the artistic and scientific sides of Exploratory Laboratory.

Toured to: Bridport Arts Centre from 18 September then Sturminster Newton Exchange from 30 October – 1 November 2010.

ExLab was the first project from Big Picture, a collaboration of organisations including Artsreach, Bridport Arts Centre, Dorset Visual Arts, PVA MediaLab, Sherborne House Arts, Sherborne School, Walford Mill Crafts and independent visual arts professionals, with Dorset County Council, Dorset Design and Heritage Forum and Jurassic Coast Arts Team.