Botanical Chords: The Art and Science of Plants and Cells
Open April 20-Oct. 6, 2013 | Free admission
Experience a close-up look at plants with artist Terry Ashley and Florida Museum scientist Pamela Soltis as they visually explore and describe the beauty of plants and cells. These photographs, called “Botanical Chords,” are composite images – a traditional view of a plant (flower, leaves or seedpod) paired with a magnified image, usually done using a light microscope (micrograph). Together they create a visual kaleidoscope of color and form.
Ashley is a self-taught artist and retired research scientist from the Yale University School of Medicine. She always considered microscopy an under-recognized art form. Her mission is to raise awareness for an appreciation of the beauty that often lies just below the level of our own eyesight.
Soltis, distinguished professor and curator of the laboratory of molecular systematics and evolutionary genetics at the Florida Museum, is reconstructing the evolutionary history of plants and the processes responsible for generating approximately half a million plant species.
Exhibit Highlights
- View nine large colorful images of plants and cells found in Florida, paired with comments from the artist and scientist.
- Learn about the fascinating “family tree” of flowering plants (angiosperms) and research at the Florida Museum to better understand plant diversity.
- Enjoy the beauty captured and integrated in a unique way in “Botanical Chords,” which provides a new perspective for viewing plants.
Hooded pitcher plant by Terry Ashley
Did you know?
- Florida is one of the world’s biodiversity hotspots, as it spans temperate and subtropical climates.
- Florida Museum scientists are studying the impact of climate change on the state’s approximately 4,000 plant species.
- A light microscope, or micrograph, provides a magnified view of plant cells. The variable appearance of cells from different species and plant parts is one of the exciting aspects of this on-going project.
Related Resources
More about Terry Ashley
More about Pam Soltis