Output details

Six pieces of Jewellery. In Design4science-The Visual Communication of Science. Exhibited at: Nobel Museum Stockholm, Sweden 6 Feb- 31 Aug 2008; Medical Museum University of Copenhagen. 21 Jan 2009-21 April 2009; Nomadic – Meetings between Art and Science, University of Porto, Portugal. 4 Nov - 28 Nov 2009)

Cell biology encompasses one of the most visually striking areas of scientific research and has long been a source of inspiration for artists and designers. This international project celebrated 2d and 3d visual material inspired by molecular biology. In particular it explored the power of design to mediate between pioneering science and the wider society, examples are drawn from jewellery, illustration, photography, drawing etc. Wilson utilised new 3d printing and rapid prototyping technologies to bridge protein data collection and the creation of 3d form primarily to explore what science can learn from the way artist/designers interact with and create form? The development of the digital has had a tendency to move our attention away from the physical world and this work sought to maintain the relationship between the digital and the physical through creating jewellery artefacts that a general public audience could interact with. Alongside other artists this work and the associated exhibition has advanced the role that design plays in mediating science within society through bringing together the best molecular scientists and designers to celebrate the impact of science in everyday life over the past 50 years.

In intellectual terms this work has identified the significant role that design plays in mediating science and culture focusing specifically on the relationship between the physical and the digital. Because of its scope and comprehensive coverage Design4science is a major point of reference for future design and science interaction.

Dimensions of exhibits/artefacts: Four of the artefacts were approx. 1 metre long the other two approx. 18 inches in length

Wilson, S (2007) in Wheeler, Shirley; Long, Angela. (2007) Design4Science The Visual Communication of Science. Sunderland: Wellcome Trust. This book was produced to accompany the Design4science touring exhibition.

ISBN: 978-1-873757-91-8 p.82.