Short Wave Arts Week: Harnessing Bacteria For Art
Nov 28, 2022
Nell Greenfieldboyce, a science correspondent, takes listeners on a creative journey brimming with microbial art. The conversation unveils how artists use living bacteria on agar plates to make vibrant designs, some even glowing under UV light. They discuss the historical ties between microbes and art, illustrating how ancient practices influenced modern creativity. Nell also shares insights on agar art workshops and competitions, celebrating how science can bloom into stunning visual expressions.
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Microbial Art at the Library
- Nell Greenfieldboyce visited a D.C. library offering a unique art experience.
- Participants created art using agar plates and colorful bacteria, like 'microbial arts 101'.
Ancient Microbial Art
- Microbial art has ancient roots, possibly dating back 5,000 years to British Columbia.
- Indigenous people used heated microbial mats as red pigment for rock paintings.
Fleming's Microbial Art
- Alexander Fleming, known for discovering penicillin, was also a microbial artist.
- He created art by drawing on paper, soaking it in nutrients, and introducing microbes for color.