Luke Jerram’s Glass Microbiology exhibition to open in The Box

At-Bristol Science Centre is proud to present Luke Jerram’s stunning exhibition Glass Microbiology, in the new art space ‘The Box’. The exhibition showcases eight beautiful jewel-like sculptures, showing accurate representations of deadly viruses and microbiology.

Jerram’s sculptures were designed in consultation with virologists, including those at the University of Bristol, using a combination of different scientific photographs and models, and depict viruses such as Zika, HIV, SARS and Smallpox. They were made in collaboration with glassblowers Brian Jones and Norman Veitch.

Bristol-based artist Luke Jerram is known worldwide, particularly for his large scale public artworks. In Bristol, Park and Slide turned Park Street into a giant water slide and Withdrawn saw people encountering abandoned fishing boats in Leigh Woods. Here, and in more than 50 cities around the world, his artwork Play Me I’m Yours has seen more than 1500 street pianos installed for the public to play. Jerram’s multidisciplinary practice encompasses sculptures and installations as well as live arts performances. He builds and manages specialist teams of engineers, craftsmen and technicians to help him realise his works - from composers to glassblowers and hot air balloonists.

Anna Starkey, At-Bristol’s Creative Director said: “The integration of art, science and culture is an urgent and wonderful quest where beautiful new ideas and experiences can arise. Luke is an artist whose practice occupies this highly inventive world between disciplines - generating new approaches in the process. His Glass Microbiology work has influenced the way scientists visualise viruses, as much as the scientific subject influenced the art to begin with.  Luke’s sculptures can be found around the world, and so we’re delighted to be able to present this particular collection for the first time in his home city.”

Luke Jerram added; "After more than ten years of development it’s great to be able to present this body of artwork in Bristol. The Box is great new arts space and opportunity, both for the artistic and scientific communities of the city to come together."

At-Bristol’s new space, The Box, celebrates the synergy between art and science, and features exhibitions and artists that occupy the exciting territory where art and science meet. The first exhibition in The Box was Resonator, a composition of kinetic light sculptures by scientific artist, Paul Friedlander.

Opening to At-Bristol visitors on Saturday 4 February, Glass Microbiology will run until September, and is included in the general admission price to At-Bristol.  Visit www.at-bristol.org.uk for more information.

Press interviews will be available with Luke on Friday 3 February upon request in At-Bristol, please contact Jen Forster for more information.  Press images are also available upon request.

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For further information, please contact Jen Forster – PR Manager, on 0117 9157 152/07967 334 152  or jen.forster@at-bristol.org.uk. You can also follow At-Bristol on Twitter (@AtBristol) or on Facebook (atbristolfans)