Unseen California + Norris Center

We are excited to launch a new Art + Science collaboration led by our Faculty Director, Professor Karolina Karlic, founding director of Unseen California, an arts research initiative which engages with artist-researchers, humanities scholars, scientists, and the public land of UC Natural Reserve System (UCNRS) to produce urgent creative research that frames California’s cultural histories and ecological landscapes beyond colonial perspectives while supporting new opportunities for public engagement. Unseen California has already demonstrated the ability for professional artist researchers to leverage UCNRS for critical arts ecology research, which has resulted in published research and engagement. The Norris Center + Unseen California provides an important platform for facilitating dialogue among our diverse student body and professional artists working in the field, leading to a better understanding of how to preserve and protect the natural world around us.

This collaborative initiative represents a groundbreaking approach to addressing the pressing challenges of California’s ecosystems through the integration of arts, cultural sectors, and scientific research. Together, we firmly believe that by integrating the creative power of the arts with scientific research and community engagement, we can inspire a more resilient and sustainable future for California and beyond.

Unseen California’s 2024-2026 Artist-in-Residence Program Awardees

Photography, Place, and Environment

Unseen California, an interdisciplinary arts research initiative co-founded by our Art+Science Faculty Director Karolina Karlic, in partnership with the Norris Center, is thrilled to announce the recipients of this year’s Artist-in-Residence Research Program awards: Shao-Feng Hsu and Lacey Lennon. 

Both artists will engage with UC Natural Reserve System sites, collaborate with scientists, students, and local communities, and develop groundbreaking creative work that bridges art, science, and environmental inquiry. Their residencies will culminate in immersive installations and publications that challenge and expand our understanding of California’s ever-changing landscapes.