Unique visual presentation opens "The Art of Science, the Science of Art" lecture series

Daniel Kariko, professor of fine art photography at East Carolina University, kicked off Radford University’s “The Art of Science, the Science of Art” lecture series
Daniel Kariko, professor of fine art photography at East Carolina University, kicked off Radford University’s “The Art of Science, the Science of Art” lecture series.

Art can open a pathway toward understanding and enjoying science.

Daniel Kariko, professor of fine art photography at East Carolina University, kicked off Radford University's "The Art of Science, the Science of Art" lecture series with a presentation about his unique take on the relationship between art and science.

Kariko's talk featured his photograph series titled "Suburban Symbiosis: Insectum Domesticus." The talk was part of a lecture series to commemorate the opening of the Center for the Sciences, sponsored by the College of Science and Technology (CSAT), the Department of Art, the Graduate Art Student Association, the Honors Program and the Shark Tank Award.

Kariko detailed the unique relationship between art and science, explaining that art was born out of the need to understand science and visually conceptualize it.

“Science needs art, it is the way to visually communicate a scientists’ research in a manner the rest of society can understand and appreciate,” Kariko said.

Kariko discussed his technique of capturing the art of science. He said he utilizes Scanning Electron Microscopes or Stereoscopic Microscopes to capture images of insects at many different exposures. He then combines lighting factors into a portrait reminiscent of a painting effect used by 17th century Dutch masters. Using Adobe Photoshop, Kariko layers the exposures, one on top of the other, to create his stunning composite images of insects.

For the series, Kariko said he visually conceptualizes the variety of indoor insect life despite vigilant human effort to keep insects outdoors. Kariko’s series is currently composed of 35 images, including a green bottle fly, a dragonfly and a cuckoo wasp, among other insects.

The series, he said, captures the beauty of indoor insects that he finds around his home and East Carolina University.

"I don't want you to judge me," Kariko joked. "These insects can literally be found in any home."

Kariko said he hopes his lecture and photographs inspire further collaboration between science and art. He reminded the audience, which included artists, of the importance of their medium and their power.

For more information on the “The Art of Science, The Science of Art”, visit the project's website.

Mar 25, 2016