The Ephemeral in Focus: an Artistic and Scientific Exploration into the Futitive Nature of Green, Focusing on Chlorophyll in the Leaves of Grass

Chlorophyll, the green pigment initiating the photochemical reactions of photosynthesis, is the medium binding the artists and scientists in a mutual pursuit of delaying the urges of plant material to senesce. Prior to their introduction in 1997, Heather and Dan were exploring the light sensitivity of grass to imprint complex photographic images. Each germinating blade of grass produces a chlorophyll concentration that corresponds directly to the quantity of light available to it. Leaves of varied colour combine to form tonal images which have a subtle quality reminiscent of early callotypes. These transient photosensitive photographs can be exhibited in a fresh state for a short time, yet excessive light or lack of it eventually corrupts the visible image. Heather and Dan's approach to Sid and Helen was stimulated by the pioneering research at IGER into a plant variant called a staygreen. The scientists have devised ways of modulating the expression of the genes responsible for the senescence of the green leaves, resisting the tendency to yellow.  The application of this grass in the artist's work has significantly retained the visibility of the image and in response to their collaboration the scientists have developed methods for non-invasive analysis of events going on in the cells of senescing leaf tissue, through the use of hyper-spectral imaging technology.

These links detail scientists' research that came as a result of their contact with the artists:

www.photonics.com/Spectra/Applications/Jun00/appsHyper.html
http://www.abcnews.go.com/sections/science/DailyNews/sciart_000821.html

Heather Ackroyd and Dan Harvey- 
have worked collaboratively on an international level since 1990. Their art embraces installation, sculpture, landscape design, photography, performance, film and frequently reflects both architectural and scientific concerns. They have discovered the potential of imprinting images into living skins of grass. Subsequent exploration of the light sensitivity of grass and its ability to record complex photographic images has led to increasing recognition for this innovative art form. Seductions of time and visibility are at the heart of their work with photosynthesis.

EMAIL: nicky@artsadmin.co.uk
URLs: www.geneart.org/ackroyd2.htm , www.artsadmin.co.uk


Professor Howard "Sid" Thomas and Dr. Helen Ougham- 
are plant biologists at IGER, a leading agricultural research institute, with over 20 years' experience each in studying growth, leaf development and the synthesis and breakdown of plant pigments like chlorophyll. Investigation and modification of cellular and biochemical mechanisms of plant senescence and death, with special emphasis on pigment and protein metabolism, is a key area of their research. Helen has a particular interest in the applications of computers in biology. They have numerous publications in scientific and popular journals, and have also taken part in radio and TV programmes about their work.

EMAIL: helen.ougham@bbsrc.ac.uk
sid.thomas@bbsrc.ac.uk
URL:  www.iger.bbsrc.ac.uk/igerweb/cellbiol/highlights/ephemeral/hyperspec.htm

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page last modified 04/30/01