19 January 2006

Art meets science in Singapore

The University of Dundee has unveiled a stunning art exhibition in Singapore showing the secret beauty of science.

"Art Meets Science: Inspiration and Discovery" has been placed on show in Singapore's Biopolis centre this week, and contains exquisite photography, animation and screen printing, works which transform scientific discoveries, such as human genes, pollen and potato genomes into contemporary works of art.

The exhibition is being staged as part of a full week of events the University is involved with in Singapore, highlighted yesterday by the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Dundee and Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research, (A*STAR), a move highlighted by First Minister Jack McConnell as "great for Dundee and for Scotland." The agreement builds on both institutions' excellence in, and ambitions for, life sciences.

The exhibition, which is sponsored by the Scottish Exectuive, was formally opened by Mr Philip Yeo, Chairman of A*STAR and Co-Chairman of Singapore’s Economic Development Board.

Elaine Shemilt, Professor of Fine Art at the University’s Duncan of Jordanstone College, one of the UK’s leading art schools, said of the exhibition, "When artists and scientists collaborate, unexpected synergies emerge. These are well demonstrated in this exhibition - where potato pathogens yield the pattern of their secrets; textile designs inspired by pollen structures unexpectedly soothe asthma patients, computer games technology brings the representation of blood flow and cancer cells to life for patients; and the exquisite relationship between form and function is explored in genetics."

Professor Shemilt, a widely acclaimed artist and printmaker, has been working with scientists at the Scottish Crop Research Institute specialising in potato pathogens. By presenting their scientific data in artistic format, patterns were unexpectedly revealed throwing new light on the evolution of plant pathogen Erwinia and its relationship with animal pathogens such as salmonella, bubonic plague and E coli.

Environmental artists Dalziel and Scullion look at the complex relationship between mankind, time, space and the natural world in what has been described as a "visual haiku" - a DVD of atmospheric Scottish skyscapes set to specially commissioned music by leading contemporary composer Craig Armstrong.

Other exhibitors include Lorraine Anderson, an asthma sufferer who examined pollen grains under powerful microscopes then incorporated the imagery into textile design for hospital wards. Paul Harrison works with life scientists across the world, exploring the exquisite relationship between form and function.

Paul Andrews is a scientist who rediscovered his artistic side when he was studying the division of cancer cells. The result is a display of beautiful but deadly dividing cells.

John McGhee uses the latest digital techniques of computer games and 3D animation to bring to life imagery of biological processes for Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, aiding patients understanding of complex medical matters.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Roddy Isles,
Head of Press
University of Dundee
Tel: 01382 384910,
Email: r.isles@dundee.ac.uk