"Gut 2," Alex Schreiber, cross-section of an intestine from a transgenic adult frog

"Fried Noodles," Mindy Pitre & Pamela Mayne Correia, induced Penicillium chrysogenum (a fungus) hyphae development in modern deer bone

3/12/12

'Morphographica,' Art By Scientists, In Brush Gallery At SLU

CANTON - Morphographica, a joint art installation by biologist Alex Schreiber and bioarchaeologists Mindy Pitre and Pamela Mayne Correia, will be in the Richard F. Brush Art Gallery from March 19 through June 2. There will be a lecture by the artists on Monday, April 9, at 7 p.m., in Room 123 of the Griffiths Arts Center. All are open to the public, free of charge.

The installation presents photomicrographs of biological specimens, including frogs, fish and human beings. The artists selected images for their aesthetic appeal and scientific value and to explore the intersection of art and science. With such titles as "Bonescape," "Fried Noodles," "Bamboo Sole Metamorphosis" and "A Wandering Eye," these works offer an unexpected sense of play, while also combining specialized technical data and a restrained visual elegance.

What genes transform tadpoles into frogs? How does a larval flounder develop into a fish with both eyes on the same side of its head? Assistant Professor of Biology Alex Schreiber is a developmental biologist who is fascinated by vertebrate metamorphosis. He uses fluorescence, bright-field and dark-field light microscopy to photograph organisms stained with tissue-specific dyes. With digital imaging software, Schreiber brings still images to life by morphing different developmental stages of larvae into one seamless transformation. One of his videos, "Flatfish Metamorphosis," is currently on display at the Primorye Oceanarium in Vladivostok, Russia.

Using samples that are viewed through light and scanning-electron microscopy, Visiting Assistant Professor of Anthropology Mindy Pitre and her research partner, Pamela Mayne Correia (University of Alberta, Canada), study how ancient human bone is transformed by microorganisms. Pitre, known in some circles as "Mindy-ana Jones," has examined and excavated skeletons in Egypt, the Sudan, Syria, the United Kingdom, Canada and the United States. She teaches such courses as Human Origins, Dealing with the Dead and Bones of Contention. In her spare time, she enjoys working with students to simmer human teeth to prepare hundreds of specimens for the anthropology department's teaching collection.

For information or to arrange individual or group tours, contact the gallery at 315-229-5174.

More about the Richard F. Brush Art Gallery