24 Jun Sphaera Incubation Program
SPHAERA INCUBATION PROGRAM kickstarts a four-phase incubation program that will take place over three years. The program reflects the University of Malaya’s larger mission to foster collaborative and cross-disciplinary thinking in the hope that new knowledge horizons might offer other more insightful and meaningful ways of understanding our place in the world.
This program is divided into 4 phases which starts with Phase 1 with the title Convergence: Imagination in the Sphere of Mere Physical Existence” has kick start with a convergence of 6 artists sharing their artworks in an art exhibition at Piyadasa Gallery, University Malaya. The show ran from 15 August to 30 September 2018. It was curated by Dr Roslina Ismail as her debut in curatorial practice. The opening ceremony was held on the 20th. August 2018 and was officiated by Tuan Haji Zain Azahari, a prolific art collector and Malaysian art enthusiast. He owns a gallery in the Klang Valley that housed extensive artworks from the established artists to the young and talented ones. The launch was reported in the newspaper Star 2 and the social media[1]. A catalogue is printed, and electronic forms were printed and distributed to the audience and participants.[2] The series of talks were conducted for 3 Saturdays where two artists were paired up to discuss their work and ideations according to their theme. Experts from STEM disciplines moderated each talk while audience participation was encouraged. In conclusion, Phase 1 titled ‘Imagination in the Sphere of Mere Physical Existence’ explores creativity and science aesthetics. Imagination, sphere and existence are chosen to represent the symbiotic connection between the creative process’s intuitiveness and the empirical structure of science. The event has connected people from all parts of society and not only from the art community[3].
It proceeded with implementing “Immersion: Embedding artists into STEM environment (Bringing the studio into the lab)”. Phase 2 was conducted from 1st. October 2018 until 30th. May 2020. The team consists of the six artists in Phase 1 and 6 scientists with relevant specialisations. The visual landscape of the program is shown in Figure 1. It offers the symbiotic connection between the participants throughout the four phases. Although the timeline has changed due to the current pandemic situation’s challenges, the flow of the program is still intact.
[1] https://www.star2.com/culture/2018/09/04/universiti-malaya-piyadasa-gallery-simon- soon-art-and-science/
[2] E catalogue eISBN 9789834169619 and Catalogue ISBN 9789834169626
[3] In this manner, Sphaera Program has achieved its aim to bridge and close gaps between two cultures of knowledge. Overall, the audience has responded well and expressed their approval for these types of programs to be held more often. The initiative taken by Cultural Centre under the University Malaya umbrella has created a new paradigm on how creative events can include and embrace the multitude of knowledge and opens its door to different segments of the society.