The Alchemy Of Us

Human culture and consciousness are constantly evolving in response to the things we create—from the invention of the wheel to the smartphone in your pocket. Through storytelling, multimedia artist Laurie Anderson and materials scientist Ainissa Ramirez, PhD share how inventions have caused us to reinvent ourselves and change our behavior—and how they will continue to do so.

The program will be followed a book signing with Dr. Ramirez.

Laurie Anderson is one of America’s most renowned, daring creative pioneers. She is best known for her multimedia presentations and innovative use of technology. As a writer, director, visual artist, and vocalist she has created groundbreaking works that span the worlds of art, theater, and experimental music. Her recording career, launched by “O Superman” in 1981, includes the soundtrack to her feature film Home of the Brave (1986) and Life on a String (2001). Anderson’s live shows range from simple spoken word to elaborate multimedia stage performances such as Songs and Stories for Moby Dick (1999). Anderson has published seven books, and her visual work has been presented in major museums around the world. In 2002, Anderson was appointed the first artist-in-residence of NASA, which culminated in her 2004 touring solo performance The End of the Moon. Her film Heart of a Dog was chosen as an official selection of the 2015 Venice and Toronto Film Festivals and received a special screening at the Rubin Museum, where Laurie was joined in conversation with Darren Aronofsky. The year 2018 saw the release of Landfall, a collaboration between Anderson and Kronos Quartet inspired by Hurricane Sandy. All the Things I Lost in the Flood, a book of images and a series of essays about pictures, language, and codes, was published by Rizzoli. Laurie has made many appearances at the Rubin, the last of which was with Lakotan native Tiokasin Ghosthorse.

Ainissa Ramirez, PhD, is a materials scientist and science writer who is passionate about getting the general public excited about science. A graduate of Brown University and Stanford University, she has worked as a research scientist at Bell Labs and held academic positions at Yale University and MIT. Ramirez has written for Forbes, Time, and Scientific American, and has explained science headlines on CBS, CNN, NPR, and PBS. She lectures on the topics of science and technology and gave a TED talk on the importance of STEM education. Her new book The Alchemy of Us (MIT Press) uncovers how technology has shaped us.

Lead support for Brainwave is provided by Science Sandbox, an initiative of Simons Foundation, and by the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council.

Major support is provided by Gerry Ohrstrom, Rasika and Girish Reddy, and Noah P. Dorsky.

Program support is provided by Eileen Caulfield Schwab, Eva and Yoel Haller, Cheryl Henson, and Heather Beth Henson.