MICROCOSM
September 18 - November 10, 2015
Microcosm is an exhibition of six artists whose artworks explore the intersections between art and science offering thought-provoking perspectives of objects and organisms at the atomic and cellular level that are invisible to the naked eye. Curated by Edie Carpenter, the exhibition opens September 18 and runs through November 10, 2015, featuring the work of artists Daniel Kariko, Mark Koven, Amanda Small, Mike Sonnichsen, Georgia Titcomb, and Jeff Whetstone. At the opening on September 18, GreenHill invites viewers to explore how microscopic worlds take on a new perspective. Michael Boykin, of Marine Reef, Inc. will invite attendees to operate a Hitachi tabletop SEM by zooming in and around samples.
Scientific imagery has become increasingly accessible with the advent of digital media. Google Earth views of underwater coral reefs, webcams of endangered species, and International Space Station shots of named storms all have entered the public image bank. Images produced with scientific equipment such as the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) regularly pepper mass media. A SEM uses electrons instead of light to form an image allowing for much higher resolution and greater depth of field and magnification than a conventional microscope.
Images seen on a small scale can change our understanding of the world. Microcosm challenges the viewer to question whether biological images, most commonly associated with disease or decay, are aesthetically beautiful. The artists’ works investigate scientific objectivity evoking private worlds and internal narratives. Included in the exhibition are works by Daniel Kariko, from ongoing investigations on altered environments for which he utilized a SEM to meet the insect community living around his suburban home. The result is a series of composite insect “portraits” through which unknown housemates become individuals humanized to raise awareness about habitat loss.
ASSOCIATED PROGRAMS
First Friday at GreenHill - Live Music by Magpie Thief
September 4 | 6 – 9 PM
Join us this First Friday at ArtQuest for Adults with Gracelee Lawrence, GreenHill’s Pop-Up artist for an art activity uniquely designed for adults. Enjoy live music by Magpie Thief from 6:30 - 7:30 PM. Playing together for years, Emily Stewart and Matty Sheets strip down their songs for a road worthy acoustic duo. Folk music with heart and street smarts. Free and open to the public. Cash Bar.
Artist Talk | Amanda Small at Gatewood Studio Arts Building, UNC-G
September 17 | 6 – 7 PM
Amanda Small will discuss how through her art she “visualizes aspects of the natural world, taking micro and macro views of the earth, cells, satellite mapping, topographies and systematic patterning” during a slide presentation hosted by the UNC-G Department of Art. Free and open to the public.
Exhibition Opening | Microcosm
September 18 | 5:30 - 8:30 PM
GreenHill presents works that offer perspectives on the very small, the unseen, and the atomic, cellular level of natural and artificial forms. Mediums on display include photography, video, sculpture, and installation. Michael Boykin, of Marine Reef, Inc. will invite attendees to operate a Hitachi tabletop SEM by zooming in and around samples. Members and sponsors preview from 5:30 to 6:30 PM. The exhibition opens to the public at 6:30 PM. Light refreshments and cash bar.
Adult Workshop | Art + Science Inspired Watercolor Paintings
Tuesday, September 22, 2015 | 1 - 4 PM and 6 - 9 PM
Create your own watercolor inspired by the intersections of science and art as examined in GreenHill’s exhibition Microcosm. In this workshop you will visit the exhibition and learn about the many ways NC artists use microscopes as inspirations for their art. Look through microscopes to discover dramatic colors, patterns and textures and return to the ArtQuest Studios where Laura Maruzzella will guide you through watercolor techniques. Each participant will create a 10” x 10” watercolor paintings mimicking the layered patterning found in microscopic imagery, with the option to mount one for display on 12” x 12” white matte board to take home. Bring your own drinks and food. Cost is $35. Space is limited. To reserve your space go to: www.greenhillnc.org/adult-workshops.
First Friday at GreenHill – Live Music by the Raving Knaves
Friday, October 2, 2015 | 6 – 9 PM
Join us for First Friday and live music by the Raving Knaves from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. The Raving Knaves are an original rock-n-roll band based in Greensboro, North Carolina. The idea behind Raving Knaves is lean, three-chord rock with an R&B basis. Chuck Berry-style songwriting brings a lot of detail and references. But ultimately the idea is to create a physical experience for the audience. Free and open to the public. Cash Bar.
Art Under the Microscope | A Dialogue with Dr. Kathryn Shields and Daniel Kariko
Wednesday, October 14 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Join in the conversation with Guilford College art historian Dr. Kathryn Shields and Microcosm artist Daniel Kariko. Shields will speak about the imaginative potential for collaborations between art and science using historical examples. Kariko will discuss how he combines effects from Stereo and Scanning Electron Microscopes to create portraits of insects or what he calls “overlooked houseguests” humanizing them in efforts to raise awareness about habitat loss. The dialogue session will offer time throughout for audience questions. Free and open to the public.
New Technologies for Exploring Hidden Worlds | A Roundtable with Dr. Carrie Donley, Dr. Michael R. Falvo and Dr. Dennis LaJeunesse
Wednesday, October 28 from 5:30 - 7:30 PM
Microcosm, an exhibition at GreenHill, explores the intersections between art and science, illuminating the possibilities and potentials for the ways that microscopic imagery and technological advancements can change our worldview in science, technology, and the arts. Using easily understood terminology, three N.C. based experts will discuss advances opened up by new types of microscopes and offer implications for art, science, and technologies. Free and open to the public.
First Friday at GreenHill – Live Music by Chris Tuttle
Friday, November 6, 2015 | 6 – 9 PM
Join us for First Friday and live music by Chris Tuttle from 6:30 to 7:30 PM. Chris Tuttle, a Nashville veteran songwriter and photographer, has toured with acts such as Emmylou Harris, Jewel, Rodney Crowell, and Raul Malo. Born in Winston-Salem, North Carolina to a musical family Chris has an infused Americana and Folk songwriting style. Free and open to the public. Cash Bar.
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