Exhibition blurs the boundaries of art and science
Scientific research often produces images so stunning they could be considered art, and works of art can mirror the beauty of the microscopic world of biomedical research.
This mutual inspiration is the subject of an exhibition, Spark! The Heart of Art and Science, which explores how artists and scientists strive to expand our knowledge of the world around us.
Curated by Rebecca Michaels, Alyssa Gomori, Naomi Rupke, and Susan Pang, Museum Studies Masters students recently graduated this month from the Faculty of Information, University of Toronto, the exhibition is running at the Ontario Science Centre’s (OSC) !dea Gallery until August 12, 2012.
Spark! poses the question: Where exactly is the division between art and science, and represents a major collaborative effort between the OSC, prominent Toronto institutions, and aspiring local talent.
Inspired by the MaRS Discovery District’s Tao of Discovery video series, profiling eight Premier’s Summit Award winning scientists, Spark! features artworks including:
• The Unknown Virus limestone sculpture series by artist Laura Moore
• The DIY Body Project interactive installation by OCAD University Masters candidate Britt Wray
• Micro-photographic works by U of T Evolutionary Biology student Matt Stata
Artworks are interspersed with 3D animations of cells interacting within the body from the Biomedical Communications Department at U of T, along with stunning microscopic images of fluoresced cells and microorganisms representing the latest cutting-edge research from the MaRS Discovery District and independent laboratories.
Sheridan College graphic design students connected the artwork and the scientific images, bringing them to life through cohesive design and animations.
