The group’s next virtual event is April 23.

April 12, 2021, by Dan Bernardi

The Tissue, Culture & Art Project’s bioreactor installation. The bioreactor contains Hybridomas – organisms designed by humans – which are dependent on human technology for their survival. (Photo by Bo Wong)

In bio-art, artists and scientists use living tissues, bacteria and organisms to produce intriguing creations. These works are often intended to inspire conversations and action related to the environment, ecology and the effects of human interaction on nature. At Syracuse University, an interdisciplinary group of faculty have created an event called the Bio-Art Mixer, which brings together professors, graduate students and the general public to share innovative research, foster ideas for new art and research projects, and view new science-inspired art works from leading bio-artists around the world. The event is open to science and art enthusiasts, and anyone interested in finding out more about this emerging art form.

The conversation series was started in 2018 by Heidi Hehnly, assistant professor of biology in the College of Arts and Sciences and Boryana Rossa, associate professor, Transmedia Department in the College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA). Rossa is an interdisciplinary artist and curator who works in the fields of electronic arts, film, video, performance and bio-art. Hehnly is a cellular biologist who specializes in studying the mechanics of cellular division and how and when cells in the body choose to divide.