Art Inspired by Science: An Interactive Exhibition Opens at Durham University

Durham University’s Biophysical Sciences Institute is proud to present "Art Inspired by Science: An Interactive Exhibition," running from April 1-30, 2025, at the Durham University Botanic Garden Café. This unique exhibition showcases the fascinating intersection of science and art, displaying scientific images of biological systems alongside creative responses from professional artists and the wider public.
Opening of the Art Inspired by Science Exhibition
The Art Inspired by Science exhibition features a collection of scientific images curated by Dr. Robert Banks, a renowned researcher in comparative neuroscience, and collected during his 30-year career teaching and researching at Durham University. His work explores the intricate structures and processes at the junction between muscle and nerve cells.
The scientific images have inspired artistic interpretations, highlighting the parallels between scientific exploration and artistic creativity. These responses have been curated and are displayed alongside the scientific images.
Among the responses is "Dance of the Cells" by artist Charlotte Bassadone (Image below), which takes inspiration from microscopic images of gastric glands to create four stunning watercolour paintings. Another intriguing contribution is "Curved Straight Lines" by eight-year-old Harrison Drummond, who used straight lines to create an optical illusion of curves, reflecting the complexity and beauty of scientific phenomena.
Image above: Dance of the Cells, artist Charlotte Bassadone. Image courtesy of Charlotte Bassadone.
Visitors to the exhibition are encouraged to engage with the artworks and reflect on the connections between science and art. The event aims to foster a deeper appreciation of the natural world and the ways in which scientific discoveries can inspire artistic expression.
For more information about the exhibition and the Biophysical Sciences Institute, visit Durham University's website.