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Thesis Info
- LABS ID
- 00861
- Thesis Title
- Small Universe: Exploring Microorganisms in Water From an Artistic Perspective
- Author
- Jingying Zhen
- E-mail
- zhen6212 AT bears.unco.edu
- 2nd Author
- 3rd Author
- Degree
- Master of Arts
- Year
- May of 2020
- Number of Pages
- 40
- University
- University of Northern Colorado
- Thesis Supervisor
- Anna Ursyn
- Supervisor e-mail
- anna.ursyn AT unco.edu
- Other Supervisor(s)
- Andrew Svedlow
- Language(s) of Thesis
- English
- Department / Discipline
- Art and Design
- Copyright Ownership
- Jingying Zhen
- Languages Familiar to Author
- English, Chinese
- URL where full thesis can be found
- digscholarship.unco.edu/theses/168/
- Keywords
- Digital Media, Microorganism, Artist perspective, Bio-Art
- Abstract: 200-500 words
- Humans are infinitely small within the universe, but we are also infinitely huge compared to microorganisms. If we try to define a drop of water as a planet, extending the molecular structure of water to infinity, a new world will be discovered and displayed in front of us. For instance, when we use a microscope, the microorganisms in the water can be observed directly after being magnified numerous times, showing their unique configuration characteristics. This is the artistic beauty of science. Studying microbes in water is like exploring a new planet that has never been discovered.
The scope of this thesis was based on an artistic desire to explore and display microorganisms in water and present the viewers with an opportunity to discover an invisible world. This included research on three artists who have taken interest in unusual life forms. It also included my observation of real microorganisms under a microscope in biology lab. I found the beauty within the details of this miniature world; it was a different perspective.
The purpose of this study was to combine biology and art, traveling in the real and imaginary world, researching, exploring, and then showing microorganisms using multiple approaches within digital media. This interdisciplinary research method helped us to think about the beauty of science, the perfect vehicle to capture thoughts and images of this ‘moment in time,’ which was the outcome that this paper wants to convey.