Computational Arts News

Another school year has come to an end, which means it is time to celebrate and send-off our graduating class as they prepare themselves for the next stage of their careers.

These are truly extraordinary circumstances. In any other year, we would gather in the large Centre of Excellence at the Aviva Centre, surrounded by family and friends. There would be hugs, high fives, and photo opportunities. But even though the love cannot be shared in-person, we want the Class of 2020 to know that we hold them deeply in our hearts.

Last week, President Rhonda Lenton wrote to the York community about the University’s planning for the fall academic term. That message emphasized adherence to public health and safety and access to courses so that students can progress in their programs. The message also noted the potential for select experiential activities on campus. As explained in that communication, courses will clearly state whether on-campus activities may be required.

The School of the Arts, Media, Performance & Design (AMPD) at York University produces cutting edge research-creation projects that bring together seemingly disparate disciplines – art, mathematics, philosophy, music and virtual reality (VR) – in astonishing ways. With a lab that focuses on “computational worldmaking,” how could it fail to capture imaginations everywhere?

Alison Humphrey, Ph.D. candidate in Cinema and Media Arts has created Shadowpox: #StayHome Edition, an interactive videogame to communicate the importance of staying at home. This version is adapted from the previous version of the project developed with Professor Caitlin Fisher (CMA), Professor Steven J. Hoffman of the Faculty of Health and Osgoode Hall Law School, director of the Global Strategy Lab, and scientific director of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s Institute of Population & Public Health; and technical director LaLaine Ulit-Destajo, alumna of Digital Media in AMPD.

A compelling bioart project leverages climate geoengineering in an unlikely way: It introduces poetry into a plant’s biology through dew and in the process makes a profound statement about climate change, biodiversity and the interconnectedness of humans and the environment.

It's the end of 2019, a momentous year for AMPD. As we amp up for a new decade ahead, we want to celebrate the moments that you appreciated most on our social media feeds this past year.

Do you want some money you don’t have to pay back? In 2018-19 AMPD students received over 2.2 million dollars in scholarships, awards and bursaries, set up by York’s incredible community of generous supporters! The vast majority of eligible students who apply receive an award.

The history and foundation of the AMPD community is what propels us forward, emboldening us to pose new questions, devise new methods, and test new limits. This spirit of experimentation and improvisation found throughout our faculty is the difference between keeping up with today and leading the way into tomorrow.