Iliana Sun: Where Science Learns to Listen

Iliana Sun, an artist who merges artistic creativity with scientific exploration, is highlighted in a profile on AATONAU. With a background in biology, including undergraduate studies at Duke University that involved research on baboons, reptiles, lemurs, and whaling history, her work spans photography, documentary filmmaking, and installations. Central to her art is the theme of interconnectedness, asserting that no life exists in isolation. Her debut film centered on red wolves, while her documentary, 'When We Say Vaquitas What Are We Talking About,' presents the plight of the critically endangered vaquita through diverse perspectives. Influenced by photographer Joel Sartore and physicist Brian Cox, her installation 'Everything In Between' employs photographs and suspended threads to illustrate intersections of lives. Increasingly, her practice integrates AI to create immersive experiences that foster emotional engagement and participation, with future projects aimed at actively generating connections rather than merely depicting them.