Spring 2017 University of Wisconsin–Madison Arts Institute’s Interdisciplinary Artist in Residence Peter Krsko continues to make an impact in the Madison area after his initial semester-long residency in the spring of 2017, which culminated in an exhibition at Olbrich Botanical Gardens.
Krsko recently finished a mural for Festival Foods for their 810 E. Washington Avenue, Madison location with support from the Arts Institute. The untitled mural reflects concepts he taught during his spring course “Zoethica: Bionsipred Art and Science.” The mural highlights the impact of agriculture and supporting local farmers in the state, and fills the two-story staircase leading to the upper parking lot. Per Krsko,
I spent a lot of time thinking where our food comes from. The word local is very important to me, so I focused on the area around Madison that is made up of a patchwork of small farms. When I drive through, I love watching the fields, how they are all different colors, but the lines between them are perfect, and look like patches or a quilt.
In addition, Krsko will teach a similar interdisciplinary arts residency two-credit course this summer from May 21-June 12 at UW–Madison. The course will engage students in an interdisciplinary study of the natural world utilizing modern instruments and a hands-on approach. During this process, students will analyze artistic and scientific approaches to developing novel materials and engineering solutions based on natural concepts. Those enrolled will review the current literature, engage in lab measurements and develop original artwork. The coursework will guide students to observe natural materials, organisms, and systems.
This class is beneficial to art and design students focusing on sculpture, built environment and installations as well as engineering students in fields of environmental, biomedical, chemical, and physics engineering.
Peter Krsko creates collaborative and community public art, such as sculptures and murals, inspired by biological concepts of diversity, differentiation, participation and co-ownership. He also develops STEAM-based lesson plans for schools, summer camps, after-school programs, and correctional facilities. His research of biological communities led him to develop sculptural installations that mimic the structure and form of natural entities as well as the dynamics and laws of interactions within ecosystems. His work has been presented in Honfleur Gallery, The Fridge DC Gallery, Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Fermentation Festival, Sculptural Visions, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and other festivals and venues nationwide. His work has also been featured in BBC World News, The Washington Post, and National Public Radio.