Routledge Handbook of Art, Science, and Technology Studies

‘Many of us have developed a love-hate relationship with our constructed disciplines. Deep knowledge in almost all areas of human inquiry has advanced society and quality of life for many of us. Yet as we advance, limitations and barriers within these systems reveal themselves begging for a new framework to move us forward – the creation of a new system of thought that is inclusive, collaborative and integrative. The noble efforts of the editors and thought leaders represented in Routledge Handbook of Art, Science, and Technology Studies strives to give us a new language by which we can collectively imagine a future that draws from all areas of investigation.’

J.D. Talasek, Director of Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences (CPNAS), USA

'This massive and lavishly illustrated handbook presents and summarizes current work in an emergent field that the editors dub Art, Science, and Technology Studies (ASTS). The very presence of this handbook underlines the extent to which science, technology, and the arts have become interrelated without entirely erasing the integrity of each. Artists in residence have become commonplace in many scientific projects but, as the essays in this Handbook demonstrate, this is just the tip of the iceberg: art is intimately performed in science, and in art with scientific materials and techniques. Artists do not simply represent scientific and technological objects; they embed technoscience into works of art, without effacing those works as art. The dozens of authors who contributed to the handbook span numerous disciplines ranging from the natural and human sciences to the arts – often in unique combinations. At the same time, the Handbook maintains coherence by creatively drawing upon established themes from science and technology studies such as ‘social worlds’, ‘boundary work’ and ‘boundary objects’. The contributors include both well-known veterans and younger scholars who have begun to make their mark in ASTS. I know of no other source that provides such extensive and comprehensive coverage of this burgeoning trans-disciplinary field.'

Michael Lynch, Professor Emeritus, Department of Science & Technology Studies, Cornell University, USA

'This far-ranging volume spans a stunning breadth of original creative work at the art, science, and technology nexus, building on the interwoven histories of Science and Technology Studies, Media Studies, and Transdisciplinary Studies. Unique to the handbook is the systematic organization of methodologies, artistic approaches, and conceptual concerns that drive this bold and dynamic field.'

Patricia Olynyk, Multimedia Artist and Florence and Frank Bush Professor of Art, Washington University in St. Louis, USA

'The book introduces Art, Science and Technology Studies as a new field of interdisciplinary inquiry and practice where both art and science contribute to knowledge-making. The dozens of essays included in the book examine the methods and methodologies used to bring art and science together, the structures that support these collaborations, the development and communication of projects realised as well as the engagement with the audience. While several authors in the publication delineate what we can learn from observing art and science in relation to one another, none of them pretends that art-science collaborations are frictionless. Or that they should be. In fact, many of the authors highlight issues such as the institutionalisation of both art and science, the possible instrumentalisation of art, the difficulties encountered while trying to create dialogues with the public around science and technology concerns. Most of them also suggest strategies that artists can adopt to protect their autonomy, find common ground with their science partners and new forms of critique emerge.'

Régine Debatty, Review for We Make Money Not Art

“The Handbook is an impressive collection of 42 chapters organized in 10 sections and covering topics such as borders, histories, methods, collaborations, infrastructures and activism, and includes an elaborate introduction and a final gallery. The chapters vary a lot in length, style, and content: Some describe or analyse specific examples and processes, whereas others are theoretical essays or works of art in their own right. The aim of the book is clearly to be inclusive and describe the new field of Art, Science and Technology Studies (ASTS) in all its variation…The editors have clearly put much effort into assembling this collection, and it provides many insightful and inspiring contributions from both within and outside STS.”

Maja Horst, Dean of Arts, Aarhus University, Denmark