In a recent publication an interesting art-science collaboration is described. Do You Mind? paired early career neuroscientists with artists to develop cross-disciplinary dialogue, and innovative artworks. The project was initiated and co-curated by Bolam Group member Dr Megan Dowie before she joined the ANU.
This photo is the feature image for the PLoS Biology June 2012 issue. When artist Tom Henry visited Renee Gordon in her neurodegeneration research lab she showed him cultured astrocytes using a fluorescent microscope (shown in green, nuclei in blue). Tom commented that her images "evoked everything from star-like galaxies to seaweed forests," and in response produced prints by pressing paint between surfaces to create semi-symmetric shapes, referencing brain hemispheres and regeneration of cells (image credit: Renee Gordon).
Megan has recently set up another art-science collaboration, between the Basal Ganglia researchers at the ANU and artists from Central Saint Martins in London. What began as a lab visit will culminate in an exhibition in October. Details about A Nervous Encounter will follow.