Viruses and geology evoke art in science

Holly Witchman took advantage of her comfortably equipped lab time to make a work of art in parallel with research.

As a virologist, she embarked on creating sculptures made of beads with the shape of the viruses she studied in the laboratory. Her seed virus, along with illustrations from books and magazines, will be published with two other scientists at the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). ) starting from June 16.

Virginia Stern said: 'We are delighted that AAAS can introduce scientists to find art in science from a variety of rules and regulations' . Virginia is currently the director of AAAS in Science and Technology program director founded in 1985 to introduce the art in science by scientists or use an original technique or technology. or new technology. The exhibition is open until September 5, welcoming the public from Tuesday 17 June at 5:30 to 7:30 pm.

The collection of nearly 20 sculptures of viruses made from seeds will contribute to an exhibition called 'Crystal Structure: Virus in the Glass' ("Crystal Structures: Viruses in Glass") . The Microviridae family that Wichman studied inspired the 'Purple Mist' ('Purphle Haze') . The spherical piece of 3.5 inch diameter made from groups of purple beads is connected by delicate dry seeds that look like straws.

Left photo: Cambrian - Cambrian.Right photo: Mélange's work.(Photo: www.susaneriksson.info )

Wichman's works in the AAAS exhibition will be presented with works by Bentley Fane - University of Arizona professor. Fane first used painting beads in 2006 when he went on vacation at Wichman's lab. The two scientists studied a family of viruses. Fane spent 2 months on leave to learn new techniques. He finally learned the technique of beading, he assembled a series of virus structures including the virus that causes herpes.

Wichman and Fane found it easy to sequence shapes so they had little trouble connecting them. The actual virus described is common in nature and is often more robust than the shape of art that is easy to lose shape when transplanting. One of the most robust beaded viruses costs 1,560 seeds and 70 fit strings, which is extremely sustainable. Fane said: 'You can take it by hand, twist it and it doesn't break.' The virus structures he introduced are quite rare in nature, as well as being easily broken when there is pressure.

Viruses who attend the exhibition want to introduce the virus to the public. Wichman, citing HIV virus and avian influenza virus, said: 'Some of the major threats to our health are viruses. We will feel comfortable talking to someone who can answer simple questions. This is an easy way to learn a little about viruses without pain '.

Besides learning about viruses, viewers of AAAS exhibitions can also learn some things about geology on the spot. The 21 paintings featured in the exhibition entitled ' Earth Science Messages:' on the 'Earth Science Messages (Paintings on Wood' ) will be published simultaneously with Wichman and Fane's works.

Geologist Susan Eriksson (Colorado) began creating artworks in the mid-1990s, recently using acrylic acid to paint on wood. As the director of the far-reaching educational research UNAVCO - funded by the National Science Foundation and NASA, Eriksson has developed a good modern measurement education program on the changes in shape of the earth.

Tectonics - Tectonics.(Photo: www.susaneriksson.info )

As an artist, Eriksson says that she strives to express the nature and transforming processes of the earth through abstract paintings. For example, 'Tectonics' ('Tectonics') , 5 reddish orange shapes reflect the process of continental parts. Her geological knowledge inspired art as well as art in which she pointed to the error of geology. She combined painting with sculpture and firing to create a colorful "Mélange" in 60x60 inch sizes. She said that this work made her want to learn more and be more cautious in her science.

The collection of 'Earth science messages' is inspired by the changes on the earth. Eriksson explains: 'Every process that happens on the earth leaves a mark: it could be fossils, crystals or bubbles'. Geologists collect those traces to find out what happened to the earth.

In some of the artworks exhibited at the AAAS, Ericksson gave proofs of ancient climate change evidence in her paintings. She chose green as the dominant color in the 'Cambrian' ( 'Cambrian' ) to illustrate the time when the diversity of life on the planet flourished.

The 'Farallon' picture was donated to the Earth Scale project - a series of seismic stations in the United States. 'Data on seismic speed of Farallon plates can be observed. Most people do not know about the giant geology that gradually descends under their country , 'Erickson said of the geological slab that contributed to the formation of the American Rocky Mountains. 'I have spent a lot of time helping people understand about earthquakes, volcanoes and moving plates. It is interesting to hang the orange and green Farallon on the wall so that people can wonder about it . '