Blending scientific inquiry with aesthetic sensibilities
Ultimately, these works—and the stories behind them—echo the themes of Sympoiesis: Co-Creating Sense of Place. Each artist, in dialogue with both environment and community, reveals how perception and understanding emerge through interconnection. They demonstrate that a sense of place is never formed in isolation, but through shared exploration, mutual insight, and creative co-creation across boundaries.
Image: Tristan Duke, film still from Glacial Optics: Gaze of the Glacier, 2024, glacial ice lens film, courtesy of the artist.
Funded through the generosity of the Susan Moldenhauer FUNd for Contemporary Art, the Patricia R. Guthrie Special Exhibitions Gallery Endowment, WE Soda, and By Western Hands.
On Thursday, April 9 at 5:30 p.m., join visiting artist Tristan Duke for an artist
talk about his work in Sympoiesis: Co-Creating Sense of Place and his monograph Glacial Optics. A reception starts at 5:30 p.m., with the talk to follow at 6 p.m. The event takes
place at the UW Art Museum and is free and open to everyone.
April 10, 2026 – Lunchtime Conversation
On Friday, April 10 at 12 p.m., visiting artist Tristan Duke will host a Lunchtime
Conversation in the galleries, offering a chance to connect more closely with his
work in Sympoiesis: Co-Creating Sense of Place and hear about his creative process. Feel free to bring a sack lunch to enjoy after
the talk and keep the conversation going. This event is free and open to the public.
April 11, 2026 – Artmaking Workshop
On Saturday, April 11 at 1 p.m., visiting artist Tristan Duke will lead a hands-on photogram workshop, where participants will create black-and-white darkroom prints inspired by Duke’s new collaboration with botanist Daniel Laughlin (Professor of Plant Ecology, Department of Botany). Open to experienced photographers and curious beginners alike.
