A pioneering partnership of art and science aims to put York in the picture on air pollution.
Artist Clare Nattress and atmospheric scientist Daniel Bryant have teamed up with one aim.
“We are aiming to make York’s air pollution visible,” says Clare.
Their work will be presented at a new exhibition, The Art Science Interface: making York’s air pollution visible, running at Blossom Street Gallery throughout June.
So how did the collaboration work?
Clare, an artist who uses a bicycle as a performative tool, has undertaken a number of ‘performance rides’ around the city.
Her bike was fitted with an air sampler and sensors. Daniel has then taken the data from these rides and, using sophisticated scientific techniques, has identified levels of known pollutants at points on the route.
His findings are being incorporated onto a digital map of York, to reveal the routes and pollution concentrations.
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At the exhibition you will be able to see the data combined with video snapshots of each performance ride, plus photography, an online interface – and the bike itself.
The exhibition “will improve the public’s ability to see for themselves pollution within their city,” says Clare.
“The interdisciplinary collaboration also increases our understanding of environmental hazards facing cyclists and the benefits of a healthier environment through improved infrastructure.
“This study and exhibition will help monitor and creatively disseminate exactly what cyclists and the public are exposed to and will help to inform effective solutions”.