Hunter Cole's "Angel Bride" is part of a series depicting brides using bioluminescent bacteria as paint. (Christopher Gallery/Prairie State College) (HANDOUT)
The curves of land topography.
Amorphous molecules and dividing cells.
Bacteria that glow in the dark.
These are the muses of three artists whose work will be exhibited at the Christopher Gallery on Prairie State University’s main campus this fall – an eclectic display of pieces inspired by science.
“Art Reflects Science” runs from Sept. 23 through Oct. 24, with an opening reception from 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Sept. 25. It is one of five currently scheduled at the Christopher Gallery that feature national or regional artists.
Printmaker Elizabeth Busey’s artwork is inspired by natural patterns, whether it’s an aerial view of a landscape of the ribs of a maple leaf, or the seeds of a sunflower. Eight of her vividly colorful linocut pieces will be on display. The work in this exhibit was inspired by biology and geology.
Vera Scekic’s work involves pouring paints, sometimes thinning them, and allowing them to drip and dry, then peeling and layering the dried paint to create works that evoke images of cells viewed under a microscope. It was Scekic’s biology-inspired art that first caught the eye of the Christopher’s curator and director, Beth Shadur.
Elizabeth Busey works with linocut prints for geology-inspired works such as "Treasure of Great Price." (Christopher Gallery/Prairie State College)
“I saw Scekic’s work and I started thinking about her use of materials,” Shadur said. Then Shadur was part of a show exhibiting her own work, when she met Busey, who is based in Northwest Indiana. Shadur thought Busey and Scekic’s work shared a connection.
From there Shadur found Hunter Cole, a scientist and artist who at the time was lecturing at Loyola University in Chicago. Her work studying bioluminescent bacteria crossed from the lab into the art studio.
Cole, now on faculty at Loyola University of New Orleans, paints with a solution of bioluminescent bacteria, and then photographs the works at different stages, as the bacteria glow stronger and then fade out. A scientist with a PhD in genetics, Cole has been able to pursue both her academic and artistic explorations, and she created the Biology through Art curriculum at Loyola in Chicago.
“Cole’s work was absolutely fascinating to me,” Shadur said. “I think that (her) work is revolutionary.”
“I’m interested in artists that find a source that intrigues them and find a way to transition it,” Shadur said.
Throughout each school year, Shadur extends invitations especially to students whose studies may intersect with artwork’s subject matter. She is looking forward to science students viewing “Art Reflects Science.”
“I don’t think that they (students) think art would be made out of scientific material,” Shadur said. Her goal as gallery curator is to bring in artists whose work can enhance curriculum and show how wide-ranging art can be.
Future exhibits at the Christopher will include a look at the African-American experience, still lifes, and abstract work.
While the gallery is located on campus, it is open to the public, and it is a member of SAMBA, the Southland Arts, Municipalities, and Business Alliance. The organization works to promote the arts throughout the south suburbs. Members include other arts organizations, from galleries to the Illinois Philharmonic Orchestra, and the Flossmoor Sculpture Garden.
Vera Scekic's "Untitled (cell with fragments)" evokes images of dividing cells using a layered paint technique. (Christopher Gallery/Prairie State College)