Scientists swap microscopes for paint brushes

Scientists at Southern Cross University have swapped microscopes for paint brushes in preparation for the Vegetative Visions 3 art exhibition, which opens on Friday (March 24).

The exhibition 'Visualising the Invisible' is being presented as part of the 10th birthday celebrations for the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics.

Held for the past two years, the exhibition is designed to foster a connection between the scientific research undertaken at Southern Cross University and the wider community through art.

Associate Research Fellow and artist Ms Loraine Watson said the exhibition would include a broad cross-section of works including microscope images of bubbles, paintings of research subject matter, mud compositions, ceramics and wearable art designed to prompt the viewer into contemplating the concept of invisibility.

"All of us have produced results – or made observations during field work – that could be interpreted as aesthetically pleasing – or even artistic. We are involved to some extent in both 'visualising the invisible' and making the 'invisible' accessible to the general public," Ms Watson said.

The exhibition will be opened on Friday at 4.30pm at the Next Art Gallery, in Goodman Plaza at the Lismore campus. It will be open from Monday to Thursday 10am to 4pm until April 6.

Photo caption: 'Emasculation' is by Dr Toni Pacey-Miller, a research scientist with the Centre for Plant Conservation Genetics. Acrylic on canvas