BACTERIAL ART

Join us for a discussion about Bacterial Art and learn how to make your own art from living bacteria! Some bacteria are naturally colorful and can have intriguing textures. They grow, sense and interact with each other and their environment. Scientist have been using their growth patterns and changes in their shape and color to study their biology. Artist can too use the dynamic growth of bacteria to make art.

Dr. Mehmet Berkmen also known to his friends as Memo, is a Turkish-born international microbiologist having received his education in Vienna, Toronto, London, Houston and Boston. Memo’s dream since his childhood has been to conduct high level science while at the same time making art using the same scientific methodologies. Memo is currently a Senior Scientist at New England Biolabs where his laboratory conducts research on genetically engineering bacteria to produce proteins.

Maria Peñil Cobo is a Spanish mixed media artist born in San Vicente de la Barquera, she completed her Masters in Art Education at University Complutense. Maria mainly works with natural media, such as hemp, bees wax, wood, branches, thread and fabrics. She creates works related to patterns and structures found in nature, organic and primitive shapes that make the observer uncomfortable and warm at the same time.