Welcome to Exploring the Invisible, my biological playground. I’m a scientist artist who works with living matter in order to explore the inherent creativity of the natural world and to reveal its subtle, and usually hidden, narratives. I am unlike many artists though, as I choose not to impose any strict human-centred design upon nature, and prefer to evoke it as a co-author in the creative process. My hope is that my works will allow the interested observer to perceive biological phenomena that would otherwise be perpetually invisible, so that the hidden machinations of the natural world are brought to light. I also want the site to act as a catalyst that promotes collaborations with artists, so if you see something you like, and would like to use in your own work, please get in touch.
Exploring The Invisible
A unique blend of art and science that reveals the hidden machinations of the natural world
Hi there. I am looking for a hardback volume of micro shots similar to yours, perhaps extended to virus etc. I am interested in close ups becoming abstraction as a source of inspiration. So far, I drawn a blank. Any help would be appreciated. S
Thanks for this. I’m not aware of any books but you could try this link http://www.denniskunkel.com/ which has some fantastic high magnification images of various microbes, Best wishes, Simon
I am very impressed with the work that you have posted here. The way you present these biological phenomena and provide commentary on the character that each of the organisms possess is intriguing. So much so, in fact, that it has inspired me to learn more. I really appreciate what you are doing here and I hope to see more.
Thank you! Really glad that you’re enjoying my blog. Lots more to come!
this is an interesting artist you should have a look at http://nicolaburggraf.de/interference.html and her other projects http://nicolaburggraf.de/index.html
Thank you. I met Rachel Wingfield and Mathias Gmachl some time ago and they mentioned this work but I couldn’t find any reference to it. Now I can!
Best wishes
Simon
Hi there,
I just stumbled across this page and I’m mighty excited about it! I’m a practising Surface Designer (student), and I’m currently working with bacterias and moulds. I want to know much more about you work and methods. I need advice on growing bacterias effectively (and safely). Where abouts in the world are you based? And do you have any exhibition type shows or spaces that are open to the public? I am so intrigued by your work, I want to know everything!
Regards
Joanna
Thanks Joanna. I’m based in Guildford, UK. If you want advice on growing bacteria/moulds you might find this useful
http://exploringtheinvisible.com/2012/11/05/94/
If the link doesn’t work just scroll down the blog until you find “Microbiology at Home: A short non-laboratory manual for enthusiasts and bioartists”
Best wishes
Simon
Dear Simon,
I’m a PhD student at UC Davis studying plant Science. I also teach intro bio here as well as art science fusion class. I also make my own artwork using bacteria and fungi. Your work is amazing! Do you take interested learners? I’m almost done with my PhD
Any way we could skype? I really want to learn more! I feel as though I found a kindred spirit!
-Anna
Thanks Anna, I’d love to see your own bacterial/fungal artwork. I don’t have much money to fund my art and science but if you’re ever over in the UK I’d be happy to introduce you to the lab etc. More than happy to chat about my projects. Email works best for me. Best wishes, Simon
This is buck wolf from HuffPost Weird News. We’d like to do a piece about the cell phone germ art. Would you please contact me?
Simon — my name is Nicole Bogart, tech reporter with Global News in Toronto. I am interested in doing a piece about the cell phone bacteria art seen here. If possible, please contact me as soon as possible.
Dear Simon, I’d like to make a short news item about the phone bacteria for a Dutch science news website. If you would permit us to use those images, that would be great. Please get in touch.
Are Antimicrobial solutions for Phones, touch-devices, keyboards/mice TV Remotes, light switches, elevator buttons, car steering wheels, handles etc… being supported by Infectious Control Practitioners? Are you supportive of the idea? Do you want manufactures to produce products with antimicrobial properties?
Hello! I’m currently undergoing an art-science collaboration project creating an installation with bioluminescent bacterial and sculpture. We are using Vibrio fisheri.
Are you able to share a bit about your culturing methods, and how you got the optimal levels of luminescence? I must admit I have not heard of the glycerine trick! Could you tell me more?
Light production can depend on the strain. We use Photobacterium phosphoreum which is pretty bright.
There’s a recipe at the back of this manual for Kitchen Bioluminescent Agar
http://exploringtheinvisible.com/2012/11/05/94/
Best wishes
Simon