The University City Science Center has partnered with biotech company and uCity Square resident Integral Molecular to host an artist-in-residence program focused on biotechnology. Based in Philadelphia, the goal of this program is to provide access, opportunity and awareness for artists to explore the ever-changing world of biotechnology.
Our current Artist-in-Residence is Orkan Telhan. In this talk, he will be presenting some of his previous work, and also talking about his current project at Integral Molecular.
Telhan’s work focuses on the design of interrogative objects, interfaces, and media, engaging with critical issues in social, cultural, and environmental responsibility. For the Art + Science Residency, Telhan will work with scientists at Integral Molecular to explore different ways of manipulating taste transduction by working with a variety of taste receptors, visualizing novel sensations on the tongue in humans and other animals.
“Historically, my work has explored the future of food and taste from a number of different perspectives through the biosynthesis of novel flavors and designing experimental living artifacts,” says Telhan. “This residency will allow me to focus on the tongue itself—which is the ultimate decision-maker that determines what we like or dislike. I am excited to work with Integral Molecular on the biochemistry of taste perception and find ways to make this invisible world more accessible to non-scientists.”
Orkan Telhan is Associate Professor of Fine Arts - Emerging Design Practices at University of Pennsylvania, School of Design. He holds a Ph.D. in Design and Computation from MIT's Department of Architecture. He was part of the MIT Media Laboratory and MIT Design Laboratory.