“Art Saves. Tough Art and Science Really SAVES.”
(art)n studio: A Panorama View | Digital Photo by James Prinz Photography | Courtesy of Ellen Sandor
studio News
Up-Coming Exhibitions:
Ellen Sandor & (art)n are represented in LACMA's 'Digital Witness: Revolutions in Design, Photography and Film' exhibition and catalog, Nov. 24, 2024-July 13, 2025.
Explore : HERSTORY
Now Available in Paperback:
New Media Futures: The Rise of Women in the Digital Arts. Preview: NMF Sample
Citation:
'Electronic Visualization Laboratory's 50th Anniversary Retrospective: Look to the Future, Build on the Past', MIT Press Direct. *This article celebrates EVL's many contributions and mentions (art)n & PHSColograms as part of its history.
Recent Exhibitions:
Patric Prince: Digital Art Visionary, curated by Melanie Lenz at the V&A South Kensington through September 15, 2024, explores Patric's unique visionary collection of digital art and the "fascinating collaborations and use of technology it reveals. The 14 works on display provide a snapshot of digital art practices from the 1960s to early 2000s." The show includes an early archived artwork by Ellen Sandor and (art)n.
GLOW: Illuminating Innovation, King's College, London, March 8-April 20, 2024, curated by Sarah Atkinson, featuring (art)n's Townhouse Revisited and Cryptobiology: Reconstructing Identity.
Beyond the Visible, Schingoethe Center, Aurora University, January 29-May 10, 2024
*The Shingoethe Center is a Smithsonian Affiliate. This exhibition is a collaboration with Fermilab, featuring their Residency and Guest Artists, including Ellen Sandor & (at)n. Tap here for video interview and article.
Congratulations to past (art)n collaborator, Keith Miller and his WETA FX team for their 96th Academy Award - Best Animation Short - War is Over!.👏🎉
***
Please watch the 1/23/24 livestream of the Doomsday Clock announcement from the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists; it is still 90 seconds to midnight for climate change, the threat of nuclear war, the dangers of AI and biological threats. Tap to view (art)n's PHSCologram + VR Tribute to Martyl
The Doomsday Clock at 75:
Ellen Sandor and (art)n’s PHSColograms, Sculptures & VR tributes to Martyl and the Doomsday Clock were featured in Robert K. Elder and J.C. Gabel ’s new book, The Doomsday Clock at 75, by Hat & Beard Press, Los Angeles, CA.
***
35 Years: 35 Artists, Jean Albano Gallery Chicago, November 10-December 31, 2023, featuring 'Water We Wading For,' by (art)n + Karl Wirsum.
Shared Thoughts and Conversations about Choice". Art Based Research, Animated Data Visualization now showing at EXPO Chicago, April 13-16, 2022 at Navy Pier.
Opening on November 4th, 2022 at 5:00 PM CT at Jean Albano Gallery
*Also Available at Artsy: PHSCologram collaborations with Karl Wirsum
Brain + Love +, ilon Art Gallery
Ellen Sandor and (art)n’s PHSColograms, Sculptures & VR were featured in 'Brain + Love +, iLon Art Gallery, Brooklyn, NY, April 28 – June 25, 2022. reviewed by Victoria Benzene in White Hot Magazine
*Also On View and Available at Artsy
Voices and Visions: Standing on the Bridge Between Health and Disease
A Burst of Hope PHSColograms + VR were featured in Voices and Visions: Standing on the Bridge Between Health and Disease, The Art Center, Highland Park, IL, May 2022
Opening Message from Ellen Sandor
***
Review:
Hits & Takes
By John Lothian & JLN Staff
Do you want to see something very cool? This is Ellen Sandor's virtual art exhibition. Ellen is the wife of Dr. Richard Sandor. She is a new media artist and founder/director of the collaborative arts group (art)n. In light of the impact of COVID-19 on the museum world, this type of display could have a big impact on the art world and people's virtual enjoyment. You are going to like this. I know I did.
This unique online experience presented and curated by TACHP and (art)n provides visitors with hours of dynamic content to explore in one or multiple sittings–including panoramic virtual gallery views of PHSCologram sculptures interspersed with engaging video documentaries, virtual games and written ephemera:
"Ellen’s work is groundbreaking, as the imagery her team has selected emphatically transcends the virtual and literal, the screen and the mind, the image and the observer with creativity and compassion. What she and her team share with us in this exhibition is the fulfillment of the possibility that the arts have to educate and influence other areas of science and medicine, with the courage and sensitivity to explore issues from an entirely new direction.”
-James M. Lynch, Executive Director
-Caren Helene Rudman, Curator
RECENT Past EVENTS
HERSTORY Zoom Panel: A Live Q&A Dialogue, featuring 12 New Media Futures contributors, moderated by Ellen Sandor. Hosted by the University Club of Chicago, IL, June 23, 2020
Women’s Caucus
Artist Talk: Ellen Sandor/Caren Helene Rudman, Thursday, February 13, 2020, @2:45-4:15 pm, Columbia College Chicago, 1104 S.Wabash, 835 Classroom, 8th floor.
CAA New Media Caucus
HERSTORY: Digital Innovations, Wednesday, February 12, 2020 @10:30 am-noon, Wilford C, Chicago Hilton
Recent Showings:
Pris Chicago Photographies, Galerie Olivier R. Bijon, Arles, France, September 2-October 5, 2019
Please join us: Saturday, 9/21/19 @ 2-3:00 pm for an EXPO CHICAGO BOOK SIGNING | NEW MEDIA FUTURES
Northern Trust VIP Lounge, Festival Hall, Navy Pier
Roger Brown: Virtual Still Lifes, Mad Museum, New York City, May 2-September 15, 2019
June 23, 2020
Ellen Sandor moderated and contributed to the HERSTORY Zoom Panel: A Live Q&A Dialogue, featuring 12 New Media Futures contributors, hosted by the University Club of Chicago,
June 4, 2020
This year marks the 78th Anniversary of the Battle of Midway Island, with enduring gratitude to all of the Battle of Midway Veterans in honor of their courageous service at Midway Island during WWII. The Battle of Midway was a real turning point for the U.S. and the world that happened on June 4, 1942. The historic battle helped to restore and preserve freedom in the world we are grateful to live in today, won with their honour, courage and bravery. We thank you for your fighting spirit and contributions for our freedom. The Battle of Midway Memorial was first installed on June 4, 2001, and is located just through the security checkpoint and to the left at the beginning of Concourse A of Midway Airport. The Battle of Midway Memorial was commissioned by the Public Art Program and Department of Aviation, City of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, Mayor. The Memorial includes the story of the battle, told in four panels.
August 6, 2019
Book Review:
“New Media Futures will be a rewarding read and a prized possession for scholars interested in the experimental, creative spaces for art carved out by women working between the coasts.” - Rebecca Perry
Uncovering Hidden HERstories of Women in the Digital Arts, featured in Platypus, The CASTAC Blog
July 31, 2019
Untold HERstories: An Homage to SIGGRAPH
July 28, 2019
SIGGRAPH Diversity and Inclusion Summit
Panel: HERstories: Women Leaders in the Digital World
July 1, 2019
PHSColograms, Ellen Sandor and (art)n, Galerie Olivier R. Bijon, Arles, France, July 1-21, 2019
June 4, 2019
YOU WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE BATTLE OF MIDWAY TODAY HAVE WRITTEN A GLORIOUS PAGE IN OUR HISTORY. I AM PROUD TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH YOU. -ADMIRAL NIMITZ
Special appreciation to all of the Battle of Midway Veterans for their courage, bravery and fortitude in winning the turning point battle of WW II, that ultimately secured our freedom for future generations. This year marks the 77th anniversary of the Battle of Midway. In 2001, Ellen Sandor and (art)n were commissioned by the Public Art Program, Department of Aviation, and City of Chicago, Richard M. Daley, Mayor to produce the Battle of Midway Memorial installed in Concourse A at Midway Airport. Special acknowledgement to Ed Fox, all of the Battle of Midway veterans, historians, friends, and members of the Internet's Battle of Midway Roundtable, who helped provide the photos, stories and facts from the Battle of Midway for this memorial installation. The Battle of Midway Memorial recaptures Admiral Nimitz's leadership, Joe Rochefort's innovative military intelligence, and the bravery of the US Navy and Marines who won the pivotal Battle of Midway.
May 28, 2019
Hope to see you at the 10th Annual AWE USA in Santa Clara, CA, May 29-31. VDen Booth 919, Art and Virtual Heritage. Opening Thursday May 30th, 11:00 AM- 1:00 PM and Friday 10:00 AM - 11:15 AM
April 10, 2019
"This book would be valuable reading for anyone interested in the influence of women and the Midwest on digital arts or simply the history of digital arts as a field. Anyone from a casual reader to an artist, scientist, or academic may learn from and appreciate this work."
Book Review: Tristan M. K. Draper, Journal of the Illinois State Historical Society • 112 : 1 (Spring 2019)
February 15, 2019
”New Media Futures is poised to become a valuable study tool for those interested in the intersection between art, women artists, and technology.”
Book Review: ”The Early History of Women in the Digital Arts” by Angelica Frey in Hyperallergic
January 3, 2019
"This is a book that can be picked up and opened to any area to explore. If you do, you will come away a little bit wiser, certainly more informed and totally impressed with what these women have done."
Book Review: ”Women leaders in the digital world” by Cinda Ackerman Klickna in Illinois Times
New Media Futures Book Signing at Gallery 400, Friday December 7
Ellen Sandor and (art)n are included in: Chicago New Media 1973–1992, Gallery 400, University of Illinois at Chicago, November 1-December 15, 2018: “Although Chicago is not often thought of as an epicenter for new media art, technology, or industry, the city was home to some of the earliest and most important experiments in new media in the late 20th century. Curated by SAIC Associate Professor of Film, Video, New Media, and Animation, Jon Cates with assistance from VGA's Director of Exhibitions and Programs Chaz Evans and Executive Director Jonathan Kinkley, Chicago New Media 1973-1992 chronicles the under-recognized story of Chicago's contributions to new media art by artists working at the University of Illinois at Chicago's Electronic Visualization Laboratory (UIC's EVL), School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC), and at Midway Games and Bally from 1973-1992. Presented in partnership with Video Game Art Gallery with support from UIC's EVL, the exhibition at Gallery 400 features video game artifacts, new media technologies, historical photographs, game stills, playable video game consoles, and virtual reality modules to explore the rich exchange between industry and academics during this heady time.” Jon Cates moderated an afternoon panel on November 1 after presentations by Oliver Grau, Christiane Paul, Ellen Sandor, Dan Sandin, Tom DeFanti, Jamie Fenton, and Sabrina Raaf.
Review:
'Chicago New Media 1973-1992' pays tribute to the city’s contribution to video games and digital art, by Caroline Picard, Chicago Reader, November 29, 2018. The cover image featured a screenshot from “It’s Two Minutes to Midnight,” produced in collaboration with Carolina Cruz-Neira, Jason Zak, Tanner Marshall and Jaimes Krutz, George W. Donaghey, Emerging Analytics Center, University of Arkansas at Little Rock.
November 4, 2018
Donna Cox and Ellen Sandor sign copies of New Media Futures: The Rise of Women in the Digital Arts during the Chicago Humanities Festival after Donna Cox’s Visualizing Women.
October 26, 2018
HERSTORY: Digital Innovations Symposium & Book Signing at NCSA.
September 26, 2018
EXPO Chicago Book Signing for New Media Futures: The Rise of Women in the Digital Arts.
July 7, 2018
Nathan Worcester reviews "It's Two Minutes to Midnight" at Weinberg/Newton Gallery in the New Art Examiner
May 11 - May 19, 2018
It is Two Minutes to Midnight at Weinberg/Newton Gallery, 300 W. Superior St., Suite 203, Chicago
Opening Reception & Book Signing
New Media Futures: The Rise of Women in the Digital Arts
Friday, May 11, 2018 @ 5-8 pm, RSVP Required.
The Art and Design of the Doomsday Clock
Weinberg/Newton Gallery
Tuesday, May 15, 2018
Reception: 5-6 pm; Program: 6-8 pm, RSVP Required.
It is Two Minutes to Midnight is supported by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, (art)n, and Weinberg/Newton Gallery. The program “The Art and Design of the Doomsday Clock” is supported by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, Weinberg/Newton Gallery, and the Terra Foundation for American Art.
Click to preview exhibition catalog.
February 26, 2018
At the Intersection of Art and Science: CRISPR-Cas9: A Ray of Light by Soomin Suh, Berkeley Arts + Design
February 9, 2018
IGI Research on Display at Packed Open House at UC Berkeley: Following the talks, attendees congregated around newly-installed art piece in the EBB lobby. Artist Ellen Sandor, founder and director of (art)n, donated a mesmerizing piece detailing the mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9 genome editing. Standing in front of a glowing, 3D Cas9, Shannon Jackson, Associate Vice Chancellor of Art and Design, introduced Ellen and described the importance of integrating art and science as a form of expression and communication. Ellen’s energy was contagious as she concluded her brief speech with motivating remarks for the young scientists in the room to continue pushing the boundaries of knowledge and technology.
February 7, 2018
Behind the Scenes/Short Film Documentary: CRISPR-Cas9: A Ray of Light
January 4, 2018
Behind the Scenes/Short Film Documentary: Ellen Sandor and (art)n’s Fermilab Residency 2016, Book PHSC
