The Multispecies Salon: Art and Anthropological Cross Disciplinary Pollination
In this discussion artist Marnia Johnston describes her collaborative art practice with bio-anthropologist Dr. Eben Kirksey. Kirksey, Johnston, and several other ethnographers and artists have contributed since 2007 to a series of events called the Multispecies Salon. These events are grounded in explorations by both artists and anthropologists of multi-species ethnographies, seeking to bring philosophically like-minded academics together. The events have resulted in synergistic collaborations that spurred growth in both science and art practices. The discussion will specifically outline modes of working, hybrid gallery shows and symposia and the resulting artworks and publications.
Independent Scholar
Marnia Johnston is a sculptor and interdisciplinary instigator collaborating with engineers, anthropologists, and tinkerers. Her work has been exhibited widely, most recently at the American Museum of Ceramic Art, in Pomona, California. Her work has been recognized by the World Ceramic Biennale, South Korea, with two diplomas of honor and a medal of honor. Marnia has been awarded the Visions from the New California Award, a James Irvine Foundation Fellowship. Her work can be found in the permanent collection of Jingdezhen Ceramic Art Museum and the Icheon World Ceramic Center. Born in California, Johnston holds a BFA from San Jose State University and an MFA from the California College of the Arts. She currently sculpts out of her studio in the Castro district of San Francisco.
