Motion Studies: an art and science collaboration

Motion Studies brings together investigations at the intersection of Art and Science. At the core of the project are motion studies undertaken in Dr. Bret Tobalske’s flight laboratory at the University of Portland and translated into video, first at the flight lab and later in Fernanda D’Agostino’s studio. Motion Studies uses a fluid dynamics imaging system known as digital particle velocimetry to compare the nature of birds’ flights in different conditions. The footage is later edited into an experimental art video that combines location footage, archival imagery and a digitally altered sound track of wild birds’ calls. Motion Studies has been exhibited around the world as both a single channel video and as part of a video installation. Insights gained while working on the art video have led to promising new scientific research directions for the team and to a series of related art works.