Art for Arthropods -
Can Mosquitoes Appreciate Art?
Art Appreciation Talk by Dr Andy Giger

Saturday, 8 Mar 2008                                                                                     
2 – 3.30pm
Celadon Room, NUS Museum

To register, email nusartsfest@nus.edu.sg
Maximum 60 pax

Art appreciation is generally seen as uniquely human, but it is conceivable that mosquitoes and other arthropods can be made to 'appreciate' art as well.  This talk will use examples of art - for human and for mosquitoes to explore differences andcommonalities between human and mosquito perception.



Andy Giger is an independent Artist, Biologist and Communicator. His scientific credentials include an MSc in Zoology from the University of Zurich and a PhD in Neuroscience from the Australian National University. He has lived in Singapore since 1996, working in pest control, public health research (at NEA’s Environmental Health Institute) and, until recently, in science education and communication (at the Singapore Science Centre).

As a scientist, Andy has studied the perception and behaviour of ants, bees and mosquitoes, among other things, trying to figure out how insects perceive their environment. He is also exploring the perception and behaviour of himself and other people, trying to figure out how humans perceive their environment. Combining these two perspectives and observing their differences, he is arriving at a broader view of the world as well as deeper insights into the human condition. As an artist and communicator, he intends to share these insights and raise awareness of our true connection with nature and our environment.