ISU Oboler Library to host reception for Scientific Art Exhibit on April 18

The Art of Science Exhibit highlights how scientific research that is advancing humankind can be beautiful. The exhibit runs from April 2 to June 29.

In 2015, Idaho National Laboratory launched a pilot program to find artistic research imagery hiding in the recesses of scientists’ datasets. The lab hired Joseph Pehrson, an Idaho artist and resent ISU Art Program graduate, as a summer intern to search the lab high and low for examples of scientific data that also qualifies as art. 

He found a wealth of mostly microscopic imagery that spans INL research missions. From nuclear fuel to battery materials to algae, the collection offers a glimpse of INL’s scientific breadth. The exhibit presents a novel way for people to engage with the lab, learn about its work and meet some of its scientists. The collection’s program contains short bio sketches of all contributing researchers. 

“The collection examines the intersection of art and science viewed through the literal lens of microscopy,” said Pehrson. “Photographs of actual materials appear abstract when viewed at a small enough scale.”

The entire Art of Science collection is displayed at https://artsci.inl.gov/.

For more information about art exhibits in the library, email Kristi Austin at austkris@isu.edu.