Making kinetic art inspired by Ankole cultural dance: an interplay of art and physics

Abstract

In this study, the purpose of the study was to explore the interdisciplinary connection between art and the laws of physics to make moving sculptures inspired by the Ankole cultural dance. Art and physics (science) are two distinct disciplines that have a deep connection, however the two disciplines are being deemed differently in the scholarly arena making the audience to witness know connection among the two. This raised concern leading to development of objectives, first, examine the interconnection between art and science, second, understand why traditional culture has been an influence in the creation of art practices and third to explorer Kinetic artistic representation inspired by the Ankole cultural dance using the laws of motion. as ways through which to investigate on this discourse. The discussions were governed by remix theory which Michele & Colin (2008) discourse “Remix the Art Craft of Endless Hybridization” described remix as one that takes cultural artifacts and combine and manipulate them into new kinds of creative blends. The study blended art, tradition culture, the Ankole dance (ekitaguriro) and science in relation with Isaac Newton (1726, p. 943. 1729, p.2) laws of motion. In addition, being a qualitative research, and centred on particular specific group, purposive sampling was done at CEDAT as the area of study. This followed the use of interviews, focus group discussion, library and archival survey and studio experiments. Findings disclosed first, that art and science have been interconnected during production of products or design, designing of aesthetic forms and aesthetic content forms and communication aspects. Second, tradition culture has influenced art industry on a basis gaining local and foreign audience, transformation appealing as contemporary version, and versatility or resourcefulness of tradition in context of personification. Third, studiously the executions exhibited qualities of art, Ankole culture dance (ekitaguriro) with fusion of Newson’s laws of motion as a unit of science. In conclusion, the study gave an evaluation on art and science, and enlightened that the influence of tradition is due to transfer of knowledge which is beyond aspect of foreign circuit and national identity as mentioned Sanyal (2000) and George (2003) respectively and the study recommended future research perspective in relation to art and science to be done in conjunction to other scientific domains which is beyond Newson’s laws of motion.