Discourses

Discourse: Beyond the perception envelope with Conrad Shawcross

Join Conrad Shawcross as he uses artistic expression to explore cosmological theories and the perception envelope.

credit The Tucci Russo Gallery

This Discourse will be an evening of exploration of the interconnectivity between art and science, as both process and practice – and how humanity's insatiable curiosity fuels the development of both fields. Over the three-decade practice of British artist Conrad Shawcross, he has dedicated himself to delving into the intricate depths of human perception, employing a nuanced fusion of geometry, philosophy, and optics.

Conrad's sculptural works have interrupted and complimented public and institutional spaces worldwide – including a 14-metre-long spiral cast in aluminium at the Oxford Science Park (Fraction (9:8)) and the transformation of the Roundhouse in 2013 into a vast timekeeping device. You might recognise one of his works, Paradigm, a geometric statue outside the Francis Crick Institute – a piece triggered by Thomas Kuhn’s theory of the ‘paradigm shift’.

His oeuvre, veiled in the enigmatic elegance of rational systems, serves as a testament to his relentless exploration of the boundless realms of cognition. With an array of complex experiments, Shawcross boldly challenges the very fabric of our fragile reality. He explores the intersection between art and science that highlights the interconnectivity between the two subjects in a way that few individuals are able in such a powerful way.

In this Discourse, Conrad will unveil a mesmerising array of live mechanical contrivances and devices sourced from his most recent body of work. As he navigates through the labyrinthine passages of his artistic evolution, Conrad meticulously traces his trajectory across numerous series, each a poignant exploration of the limits of our perceptual faculties. With a keen focus on the elusive boundaries of human comprehension, he brings clarity to the intricate tapestry of ideas and concepts that transcend the confines of visceral understanding.

The evening will prove to be a unique experience, with the opportunity to explore scientific concepts and ideas through an artistic lens.

Event type

This is a theatre and livestream event for an adult audience, where the speakers and audience in our Theatre are joined by our audience online. 

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Conrad Shawcross

Imbued with an appearance of scientific rationality, Conrad Shawcross’s sculptures explore subjects that lie on the borders of geometry and philosophy, physics and metaphysics. Attracted by failed quests for knowledge in the past, he often appropriates redundant theories and methodologies to create ambitious structural and mechanical montages, using a wide variety of materials and media, and often working on an epic scale. Different technologies and natural forces inspire his forms, but his mysterious machines and structures remain enigmatic, filled with paradox and wonder. Some have an absurdist melancholy feel, while others tend to the sublime.

Shawcross has also experimented with ideal geometries and topologies; these constructions are conceived as systems, sometimes modular, sometimes mechanical, which could be theoretically extended infinitely into space. In these and other sculptures, Shawcross pays tribute to some of the great pioneers and analysts, and considers specific moments or figures from the past. Paradigm (Ode to the Difference Engine), 2006 references the life of Charles Babbage; Space Trumpet, 2007 is informed by the history of early acoustic mapping; the Slow Arc Inside a Cube series, takes its inspiration from the scientist Dorothy Hodgkin’s discovery of the structure of pig insulin; and ADA, 2013 is named after Ada Lovelace, credited by many as the world’s first computer programmer.

Shawcross takes on architectural spaces with work that combines epic scope and poetic grace. Manifold (Major Third) 5:4, 2023 was a major commission for the Crossrail Art Foundation, standing eight metres tall outside the Western entrance of the Elizabeth Line Station, Liverpool Street. Most recently, Shawcross installed Beacons, 2023, on the historical battlements above MICAS in Valletta, Malta. Akin to early warning systems, their semaphoric message, given by two counter-rotating, parallel discs, spells ‘NOW’ out to sea.

Shawcross has had solo presentations at the Malta International Contemporary Art Space, Malta (2023); Tucci Russo, Chambres d’Art, Turin, Italy (2023); Oxford Mathematical Institute, Oxford (2022); Galerie Isa, India (2022); Victoria Miro, Venice, (2021); Chateau La Coste, France, (2020); Wilton Crescent, London (2019); The Jute Shed, Halifax (2019); Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, Connecticut, USA (2018); Ivory Press, Madrid, Spain (2016); Berwaldhallen, Stockholm (2014); ARTMIA, Beijing (2014); the Roundhouse, London (2013); Palais de Tokyo, Paris (2013); National Gallery, London (2012); MUDAM Luxembourg (2012); Turner Contemporary, Margate, UK (2011); The Science Museum, London (2011); 590 Madison Avenue, Pace Gallery, New York, (2010).

His work has also been exhibited internationally at institutions including The Malta International Contemporary Art Space, Malta (2023); Oxford Mathematical Institute, Oxford (2022); The Hayward Gallery, London (2022); ArtScience Museum, Singapore (2014); Wadsworth Antheneum Museum of Art, Connecticut, USA (2018); Dulwich Picture Gallery, London (2015); IMMA, Dublin (2014); Auckland Art Gallery, New Zealand (2014); MONA, Tasmania (2014 and 2011); Tate Britain, London (2012); Musée d’art Contemporain, Lyon (2008); La Chapelle de L’École National Supérieure des Beaux-Arts de Paris (2008); The Saatchi Gallery, London (2004). Shawcross’s first public realm commission, Space Trumpet, was installed in the atrium of the refurbished Unilever Building, London in 2007 and won the Art & Work 2008 Award for a Work of Art Commissioned for a Specific Site in a Working Environment. In 2009 he was awarded the Illy prize for best solo presentation at Art Brussels. He was an artist in Residence at the Science Museum, London (2009-2011). In 2012 Shawcross, along with Chris Ofili and Mark Wallinger, was invited to create works inspired by Titian’s masterpieces for the project Metamorphosis: Titian 2012, an ambitious collaboration with the National Gallery and Royal Ballet for the Cultural Olympiad. In 2017, Shawcross gave the annual arts, society and medicine lecture at the Royal Society of Medicine.

Timing

Doors to the Theatre will open at about 6.50pm.

All attendees must be seated in the Theatre by 7.20pm. The Discourse will start promptly at 7.30pm.

A Pay Bar will be available from 6.00pm. It will open again after the talk, until 9.30pm.

 

More about Discourses

Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the leading-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.

Steeped in two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.

Find out more about the history of the Friday Evening Discourses on our blog.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions