Science parallels art as a subject matter and a source of inspiration.
Here at Science World, we are delighted to work with local artists who are interested in and inspired by science. You will see their artwork on the walls in the dome. Past displays have included work by Peter Holmes, Sharon Kallis, Jan de Beer, Andy Wright, Woonam Kim and famed pet photographer Pete Thorne. We also host an annual display of the Nikon Small World Photomicrography Competition winners, and hosted Art the Science’s RE:Composition digital art show.
Current Exhibits
Preventing Extinctions: Architecting the Accretocene
Dendrochroma and Mood Rings
Our Home, Our Food, Our Resilience
Bronze Sculptures of Drs James Till and Ernest McCulloch
Preventing Extinctions: Architecting the Accretocene by Andy Wright and Island Conservation is a celebration of Island Conservation’s work preventing extinctions on islands by removing invasive species from fragile ecosystems to protect native biodiversity, focusing on the environments where species are the most vulnerable. Working together with local communities, governments, and conservation groups, they have successfully restored sixty-five islands worldwide, benefiting over 500 species.
This exhibit features and celebrates the success of Island Conservation’s work on five islands: Gwaii Haanas, Canada; Okinoshima, Japan; Kaho’o’lawe, Hawaii; Palmyra Atoll, Northern Line Islands, South Pacific; Isla Floreana and Seymour Norte, Galapagos. And invites you to imagine their work as a part of a global effort where people contribute to the health of the world’s environment.
It is their hope that this exhibit whisks you to another place and encourages you to join them in creating more vibrant world—in being the architects of the Accretocene Age.
Preventing Extinctions: Architecting the Accretocene is on display in our Main Atrium until April 3.
In Dendrochroma visual artist Bettina Harvey reimagines the science of dendrochronology—the study of tree rings to understand the life span and variances of a tree.
Using evocative drawings of driftwood, she depicts the experience of aging and the changes of an aging mind over time in personality, perception, and emotion. Atop the drawings, Bettina uses colour gradients to signify life-changing events and show how the past affects a person’s aging experience.
Taking inspiration from the mood rings fad of the 1970s that linked various colours with expressions of moods and emotions, she uses vibrant colour gradients to portray changes in emotions and moods over a short period of time in Mood Rings.
Mood Rings and Dendrochroma are on display in our Main Atrium until February 4.
Our Home, Our Food, Our Resilience: A Citizen Science and Photovoice Food Asset Project
In this photovoice exhibit led by the Food Systems Lab at Simon Fraser University in partnership with the University of British Columbia and Kitselas Lands and Resources, we look through the camera lens and the stories of citizen scientists living in the City of Vancouver (traditional territories of the xwməθkwəyə̓m (Musqueam), Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) and Səlí̓lwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh Nation), Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District (Nuu-chah-nulth First Nations territory), and in Kitselas lahkhyuup (territory) to celebrate their wisdom, strength and aspirations around food security and food sovereignty.
While celebrating strength, the photos also offer glimpses of struggles and obstacles around food, particularly due to the legacies of residential school, colonialism, and policies that have resulted in income inequality and intergenerational trauma.
The photos and stories highlight the need to centre justice to promote a more sustainable and equitable food system for all. Through these stories, we strive to honour the Indigenous teaching that “food is medicine.”
Funder: Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council New Frontiers in Research Fund.
On until February 15, 2022
Drs James Till and Ernest McCulloch were two Canadian scientists who pioneered the field of stem cell research with the discovery of a method to detect cells able to restore blood production in transplanted irradiated mice. This finding prompted the later identification of cells able to regenerate other tissues, including skin, muscle and brain. This has led to advances in research and treatment of cancer.
The bronze sculptures of Drs Till and McCulloch created by artist Ruth Abernethy, installed outside our entrance were a gift to Science World from STEMCELL Technologies Inc. to celebrate the 55th anniversary of the discovery of stem cells, a field of scientific study that is distinctly Canadian in origin. As a charitable organization, Science World values donations from the community to help promote science literacy across the province.
Till and McCulloch represent a proud moment in Canadian scientific history. These sculptures recognize Canadians as the forerunners of stem cell research. Their scientific research has been embraced and continues to be developed by researchers all over the world, such as the research by Dr Connie Eaves, of the BC Cancer Research Centre, who worked with Dr Till.
The bronze sculpture installation is also the perfect opportunity to initiate important dialogue about diversity in the scientific community and celebrate the proud moments of all Canadians. Young scientists from diverse backgrounds can engage with the piece on the three “empty” stools. Such an act can celebrate the past, challenge the present and look towards a brighter future. Till and McCulloch's pioneering stem cell research, and many other types of important scientific research, inspires scientists of diverse genders, ethnicities and experiences all over the world to use these discoveries to understand and conquer many human diseases that affect us all.
Artist Contact Form
We have space available throughout the year to display artwork that aligns with our mission to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature. We are taking proposals from artists whose work:
Brings together art and science in a creative way
Uses art as a lens through which to examine, express, or experiment with scientific theories, processes or principles or;
Explores the human and social impact of science
We love work that sparks the curiosity of the public and invites questions and/or participation
2D and 3D works, digital art, as well as performance and time-based work will be considered
Fees
Honorariums are offered for both single artist and group shows. We also offer to host an opening reception with light refreshments provided by Science World, free to the public, on an evening in the first week of installation if the artist so chooses.
Timeframe
Displays typically range from about 8-16 weeks in length. We are booking for the 2022-24 calendar years, dependent on space available.
If you are interested in your artwork being displayed, please fill out the form below.
Please note: Due to the volume of submissions, we are not able to respond to each one individually. Thank you so much for your interest, and we'll be in touch if there's a fit and a time we think will work!
