A case for transdisciplinary practice in the art, science and technology research environment: Michael Naimark's practice in the creation of See Banff! and Be Now Here

Abstract

This research paper looks at the practice of Michael Naimark as an artist during his tenure at some of the foremost Art, Science and Technology Research programmes and assesses the extent to which his practice was transdisciplinary. In order to do this I first look at the definition of transdisciplinarity and expand this to define the characteristics of transdisciplinary practice. I then explore the case for transdisciplinary practice within the context of Art, Science and Technology (AST) specifically, by examining the history of AST programmes and practice. This investigation raises questions as to the validity of transdisciplinarity between these disciplines. However, I explore the case for Art Practice as Research which provides a valid framework for transdisciplinary practice in AST. Having established this context I can now examine Naimarkʼs process in the creation of See Banff! and Be Now Here, in particular, in order to assess his practice for transdisciplinary characteristics. It is clear from these writings that Naimark does show the characteristics of transdisciplinary practice. This implies that transdisciplinary practice has benefits in the context of AST Research and that transdisciplinary practice should be adopted as a method within these environments.