In a way, viewing cells under a microscope is a lot like looking at a painting. At first glance, you see the shapes, patterns, and colors. When you zoom in, you start to see all of the little details like nuclei and ribosomes, or in the context of painting, brush strokes and blends. Gaze at either long enough, and you may come away with a new perspective on life.
鈥淭here is a commonality in the way we do science and the way we do art,鈥� says Nobel laureate Wally Gilbert. 鈥淭hey鈥檙e both driven by the creative urge and a passion for what鈥檚 new.鈥�
On July 21, two worlds came together for the 黑料吃瓜资源 (CSHL) Science Meets Art Festival. The event was presented by CSHL鈥檚 Center for Humanities and History of Modern Biology. Numerous artists, scientists, and other luminaries turned out to celebrate the Center鈥檚 Celia and Wally Gilbert Artist-in-Residence Program. That includes biochemist and digital photographer Wally Gilbert, who co-founded the Program with his wife, poet and artist Celia Gilbert.
The festival, held in CSHL鈥檚 Grace Auditorium, began with a multimedia exhibit featuring the work of Gilbert residents and others with connections to Cold Spring Harbor. This was followed by a symposium with talks from artists and a CSHL scientist, a piano performance, and an author reading.
Speakers included:
- Wally Gilbert, Nobel laureate, digital photographer
- Carter Burwell, American film composer
- David Peikon, painter
- Helen Hou, CSHL assistant professor
鈥淪ince 2009, I鈥檝e been coming here almost every year for the meeting, which is a good fit for my work,鈥� said independent American artist and Fulbright Senior Scholar . 鈥淭his residency project really grabbed my heart because it was a chance to give back to the Lab.鈥�
The Gilbert Residence invites artists to stay on CSHL鈥檚 campus and pull inspiration from the science happening here every day. One festival exhibitor found himself drawn to a particular figure from CSHL鈥檚 rich and storied past.
鈥淚 got completely lost in the McClintock archive,鈥� said French multimedia artist . 鈥淪he鈥檚 an amazing character.鈥�
While in residence at CSHL, Masson came across one of Barbara McClintock鈥檚 corn samples. This is the very same corn the scientist famously used to prove the existence of transposons, also known as 鈥渏umping genes.鈥� Now, Masson has brought the corn back to life with a 3D model.
It goes to show how science has the potential to yield not only life-changing discoveries but also groundbreaking artistry.
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