Exhibition Information

Catherine Smith & Jeremy Collings, Untitled, 2018, Mixed media, 12 x 18 inches

Art in Epidemics in Society Course
January 28 - February 22, 2019

Students’ standard course content was enhanced by a visual art component to broaden an understanding of the inherent aesthetics in the field of Biology. Students worked in groups of two to create a piece of artwork that reflects a personal interpretation of the visual aspects associated with disease, biological and medical research and its impact on the individual as well as society.

After several discussions and image-based presentations about practicing artists who place their practice within the realm of medical research, students presented their written proposals describing their conceptual approach. With the help of consultations, students established a plan and defined a choice for suitable material. Students were invited to a guided session in a design studio, where they started to realize their vision. The experience enabled them to gain confidence to finish their projects independently. At the end of the semester, students presented their pieces accompanied by an Artist Statement.     

Even though the majority of students attending the course had very little or no art-making experience, this collaboration demonstrated that art can stimulate a thought process in unexpected ways and serve as a conduit to self-expression and acceptance. The Dowd Gallery is pleased to show student’s accomplishments alongside with two feature exhibitions, Hidden Beauty: Exploring the Aesthetics of Medical Science and Beyond Obvious.