Blue Morph Opening March 1, 2008

BLUE MORPH is a site-specific interactive installation
that uses nanoscale images and sounds derived from the
metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly.
Fringe is pleased to present this art-science
collaboration between media artist Victoria Vesna and
nanoscientist James Gimzewski. Digital photographic
images related to the installation complete the show.

Nanotechnology explorations are changing our
perceptions of life in the world around us and this is
symbolized by the newfound reality of the Blue Morpho
butterfly. With the use of advanced optics it is
recognized that the beautiful blue color of this
butterfly is not pigment at all but rather patterns
formed by nano. Blue Morpho has intrigued scientists
for generations because of its subtle optical
engineering that manipulate photons in amazing ways.
The lamellate structure of their wing scales has been
studied as a nanoscale model for the development of
fabrics, dye-free paints, and anti-counterfeit
technology such as that used in currency.

The optics are no doubt fascinating but the real
surprise is in the discovery of the way cellular
change takes place in a butterfly. The amplified
sounds reveal the process both to be halting and
violent contradicting our imagination of a gradual
peaceful metamorphosis. In reality the cellular
transformation happens in sudden surges of activity
interspersed with stillness and silence. There are
eight pumps or "hearts" that maintain a constant beat
throughout the metamorphosis creating a pumping rhythm
in the background. During the transformation through
emergence each flattened cell of the wing becomes a
nanophotonic structure of black protein and free space
leading to iridescence.

Nano is not only making the invisible visible but also
changing our way of relating to “silence” or making
the in-audible audible. With all the noise of
chattering technologies and minds, Vesna and Gimzewski
propose the interactivity to be stillness. In this
empty space of nano we can get in touch with the magic
of continuous change.

In addition to the gallery presentation a special BLUE
MORPH event will be held at the Integratron in Joshua
Tree on March 22nd. The Integratron is an acoustically
perfect tabernacle and energy machine
 sited on
a powerful geomagnetic vortex located in the Mojave
Desert. This is an evening event with optional
overnight camping under the stars or guests can stay
inside the Integratron. The cost is $20 for the event,
plus $35/person for optional overnight camping.
Reservations are required, for more information please
visit www.integratron.com or call 760-364-3126.

Victoria Vesna is an artist, professor and director of
the Art | Science center at UCLA. Her work consists of
experimental research that resides between disciplines
and technologies. Vesna has exhibited her work in 18
solo exhibitions, over 70 group shows internationally,
including the Venice Biennale, published 20+ papers,
an edited volume, and delivered over 100+ invited
talks. She is recipient of many grants, commissions,
and awards, including the Oscar Signorini award for
best net artwork in 1998 and the Cine Golden Eagle for
best scientific documentary in 1986.

Dr. James Gimzewski is a distinguished professor in
the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry and the
Nano/Pico Characterization Lab Director of the UCLA
California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI). He pioneered
research on electrical contact with single atoms and
molecules, light emission and molecular imaging using
STM. His current interests are in the
Nanoarchitectonics of molecular systems and cells with
applications for nanomedicine. Recently, he has
undertaken groundbreaking research in an entirely new
field of biophysics, which he calls sonocytology of
living cells. In 2005 he published the most downloaded
paper in Nature on a pocket sized nuclear fusion
device. Gimzewski received the 1997 Feynman Prize in
Nanotechnology, the 1997 The Discover Award for
Emerging Fields, the 1998' Wired 25' Award from Wired
magazine and the Institute of Physics "Duddell" 2001
prize and medal for his work in nanoscale science. He
has collaborated with Victoria Vesna since 2002, on
numerous art-science projects that have been exhibited
in museums throughout the world.

Official Website: http://www.fringexhibitions.com/