Author: Center for Philosophy of Sciences of the University of Lisbon / Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva Date: 2011 Description: Between February and March 2011, the Pavilion of Knowledge – Ciência Viva in Lisbon held a
video exhibition about the body and its representations, "corpoIMAGEM – Representações do Corpo na Ciência e na Arte", organized by the Research Project "Image
in Science and Arte" of the Center for Philosophy of Science of the University of Lisbon. The
exhibition was organized in three sections (three videos), "corpoPAISAGEM" (Body Landscape), "corpoFRAGMENTO" (Body Fragment) and "corpoALGORITMO" (Body Algorithm), corresponding to three chronological and
conceptual moments in the history of images and of the representation of the body in Western
Science and Art.
In the third section, "corpoALGORITMO" (Body Algorithm), we displayed images of the body produced by Science and Art using digital
technologies (20th and 21st Centuries). Digital technologies allow the transformation of non
visual signals (for example ultrasound waves) into images (as in the case of fetus ultrasound
scans). Visual artist exploit these technologies in multiple forms, capitalizing on their
malleability. In Science we have a proliferation of imaging technologies, both at the macro and micro, or
even nano-scale: Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Positron Emission
Tomography, Scanning Electron Microscopy, Tunnelling Microscopy, etc. In Art we have an
explosion of trends, including Video Art, Bio Art (artists work in laboratories using biological
materials and technologies), Body Art.
Collections: Associação Viver a Ciência, Centro de Arte Moderna da Fundação Calouste
Gulbenkian, Centro de Medicina Fetal Fetrus Vitae, Centro Médico Cemeare, Codex- Design
e Relações Públicas, Instituto de Medicina Molecular da FMUL, Faculdade de Ciências da UL,
Museu Berardo, Ressonância magnética Caselas, Siemens S.A., images offered by scientists and
national laboratories, artists' and private collections.
