September 22, 2011

Sequencing art: Lynn Fellman's paleogenomic slideshow

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Communicating science through art is sometimes still in its nascent stages, I think. While traditional + digital scientific illustration using representational techniques will always be central to reaching out with new research, less traditional aesthetic approaches can be just as illuminating and effective at communicating science. And we're starting to see some of that develop now, and at the bleeding edge of it is Lynn Fellman.

Lynn has worked on DNA portraits for years now, and using a style that's low contrast with blended colours (sometimes on silk) creating dreamlike and welcoming images.

Developed for the American Association for the Advancement of Science, Lynn recently launched her new slideshow about paleogenomics entitled, At the Crossroads: Finding Family in Bones and Genes.

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Another trend I see form science artists as art as a communication tool develops, is that she also speaks about her subjects of interest. Last December, I had the privilege of speaking with Lynn about art + science on Atheists Talk, hosted by Mike Haubrich. And she's available for talks as well as for artwork.

Here is her new video, below. Narrated with images by Lynn Fellman.

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