The Art of Science

Spring 2014 Art Exhibit: Incorporating human imagination and creativity into the life sciences

What is the purpose of a science-themed art exhibit? Several institutions and galleries have hosted art & science exhibits. One mission is to increase our appreciation of science, and make it less intimidating. Also, humans have a need to express their sensuality, imagination, and creativity. Art allows us to communicate complex themes with one another. Our role models can be Leonardo da Vinci, Salvador Dali, Georgia O’Keefe, among others.

“Art of Science” 2013 Gallery (Princeton University) http://www.princeton.edu/artofscience/gallery2013/ http://lsc.org/see-whats-happening/current-exhibitions-and-experiences/art-of-science/ “Art of Science” Exhibition at the Hyde Gallery, Memphis (Cells) http://www.memphisflyer.com/ExhibitM/archives/2013/09/26/opening-this-week-art-of-science-and-more University of Florida MFA graduate student exhibit http://www.alligator.org/news/campus/article_b34c8632-1d8c-11e2-8160-0019bb2963f4.html Art & Science Collaborations, Inc “The Cosmos” exhibit in New York 2013 http://www.asci.org/index2.php?artikel=1223 Synergy Exhibit (Boston) 2013 Berkshire Museum Paperworks; “The Art and Science of an Extraordinary Material” http://berkshiremuseum.org/exhibitions/paperworks-the-art-and-science-of-an-extraordinary-material/

What is biotechnology? Simply, biotechnology is technology based on biology (living things). More comprehensively, it is the

combination of biology &chemistry to make life better, to create useful products and applications.

Posted scientific art and PBSC student art (see SC building lobby & 2nd floor)

What are the themes of the PBSC Spring 2014 art show? “The Art of Science”

Theme 1: DNA and Genetics Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is the genetic material passed from one generation to the next, which codes for life. Mutations in the chemical structure of DNA can cause diseases such as cancer. Excess or too little DNA (in the form of chromosomes) causes various birth defects. Chemistry is central to DNA.

Theme 2: The Cell The cell is the smallest functional unit of all living organisms. Within the cell are multiple organelles and parts, each with a specific function, such as processing proteins, recognizing outside stimuli, energy, storing DNA, maintaining cell shape or cell movement. Some organisms are made up of only a single cell, including yeast and bacteria. There are many types of cells: muscle, nerve, epithelial, blood, etc.

Theme 3: Scientific Containers (containment) Chemical and biological reactions are performed in various types of containers: test tubes, petri dishes, multi-well plates, beakers, cylinders, and even living organisms.

In general, the earth is humanity’s container, our bodies are our soul’s container.

What should artists contributing to this exhibit do? 1. Talk with your faculty- they will guide you. 2. Interpret / recreate scientific images using your artist’s eye 3. Give a human / spiritual / aesthetic perspective 4. Show how science unites all life on earth 5. Focus on the beauty in science & technology. 6. Keep it positive! 7. Take a standard biomedical/scientific image and re-create it using

your artistic skills and interpretation. Provide both the original version and your version.