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Science in Art
Phoebe Johnstone shows how the boundaries arent as clear as you might think.

Science and art are two fields that would originally be thought of as completely unrelated one renowned for its ability to prove definite facts, the other for the freedom with which one can express themselves and their ideas. However, in recent years the most innovative of artists have branched out, fusing the two subjects to create a brand new and highly exciting art movement. This new art movement has captured the imagination of such acclaimed artists as
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Damien Hirst. Already infamous for his controversial approach to artwork, his installation The Pharmacy - a restaurant completely designed by himself, where cabinets of medicinal drugs covered the walls, sculptures of molecular structures acted as centrepieces, and pharmaceutical counters acted as reception desks spurred a huge reaction due to its blurring not only of the lines between science and art, but also those of what can be considered as ethical within the world of art.

Slightly less controversial, and yet potentially more aesthetically pleasing, has been the study of Microbiology within this new art movement. The advancements of electron microscopes have meant that the previously unknown structures of bacteria, viruses and other minute organisms have been uncovered in great detail. Many of these structures are things of great beauty, and this has been harnessed by many artists for use in sculpture, painting and design. To the untrained eye, the images created may seem purely to be abstract imaginations of the artist, yet this just proves how the fusing of science with art still allows freedom and creativity in art two vital aspects. One last example of the merging of the two fields has been the use of medical imaging in art. The ability to investigate the inside of objects inspired a band of modern artists. A range of art was produced; from complex sculptures and models of cross-sections of the brain, to photo images of the inside workings of house hold objects as mundane as the toaster. Strangely captivating, this form of art is personal in the way it allows us to see inside things to see what we shouldnt be able to see. It is an example of how science has allowed us to explore a new range of mediums, concept and styles, and allowed us to stretch our preconceptions of what art is. So be sure to look out for science based art the countless ways in which this movement could develop in the future are endless, but we can be sure that it is here to stay!

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