The Office of Experiments
I found this through reading about John Latham, Flat time theory [Introduction to Flat Time Theory by Ian MacDonald Munroe weblink] and The Incidental Person exhibition to be curated by Anthony Hudek.
I love that The Office of Experiments is both inside and outside formal arts and science structures, and across disciplines. This is familiar territory of me, being in-between.
The ‘experiments’ are respectful of the scientific method, but don’t follow them, see the list of principles. Let’s experiment with ourselves confronted the notion of self-experimentation in analytical science.
The Office of Experiments. a project by Neal White http://www.nealwhite.org
“The Office of Experiments (2004 – ) original initiation stemmed from the need to both study and work with experimental independent structures through which practitioners in divergent and separated disciplines could meaningfully collaborate and test new forms of knowledge and form. Temporary experimental models and projects form the vehicle for the research of the institution. These experiments utilise approaches and changes in collective art practice as well as experimental approaches in the sciences. Recognising a shift occured after the advent of process sculpture and socially engaged practice in the late twentieth century, and pursuing new dynamic collaborative working models, this form of collective action and co-practice also reflects the shifts in the contemporary network. Individuals are working and experimenting together under one name, experimenting with new areas of knowledge development, sharing insights and experience, Embedded in the social, the Office of Experiments reflects upon these devlopments, related to but resisting designated institutional practices and divisions.
To date, The Office of Experiments projects have arisen from collaborations between a range of experimental practitioners developing new knowledge in the cultural/social field. Recently some of those include: John Latham and Flat Time House, Barbara Steveni, Antony Hudek, Steve Rowell, Lisa Haskell, The Centre for Land Use Interpretation, Em Druiff, N55, Max-Planck Institute, Dr.Nicolas Langlitz, Sue Breakell, Neil Cummings, Jens Hauser, Simon Gould and Jim Wood.
The Office of Experiments currently works on new experiments with the help of: The Latham Estate, O+I (formerly Artist Placement Group), The Arts Catalyst, UCL Department of Geography, The Henry Moore Foundation, Camberwell Offsite Projects, The John Hansard Gallery, Chelsea College of Art (Critical Practice), and Bournemouth University (IPE).”
