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Synergy
Helen Wright
I have been working with images of microscopic algae provided by
microalgal biologist, Jeannie-Marie LeRoi. Initially I was impressed
by the incredible aesthetic appearance of the reproductions of the
micro plants, that is their shapes, tonal values and their translucent
fragile qualities.
I decided to try to capture some of these qualities in large charcoal
drawings. I was also impressed to learn that these tiny plants produce
their food through photosynthesis, thus contributing to half the
earth’s atmospheric oxygen while also acting as a sponge for
greenhouse gas and carbon monoxide. The artwork that I produced
referenced the extraordinary impact these microscopic, seemingly
invisible plants have in the general scheme of nature.
"Microalgae are the minute jewels of the ocean, microscopic
floating plants and vital for all marine life. Without microalgae,
there would be no life on earth — the oceans would be sterile
and the land uncolonised." Jeannie-Marie LeRoi
Jeannie-Marie LeRoi
Looking at this work invokes a key scientific question, "What
is it?"
While I marvel at the intricacy of the work, I wonder what I am
seeing, even though I know it reflects the nanoflagellate scales
of my research. It draws me into its depths, recapturing the uncertainty
and the mystery of the microscopic microalgal world. "What
is it?"
This is the same question I have asked myself many times when looking
at fluorescent green images under the transmission electron microscope
trying to identify what I am seeing.
At first glance it may be unfamiliar and it is easy to be dismissive,
but on closer examination, I may observe features that I initially
may have missed or considered unimportant. This work captures that
experience beautifully.
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