Science and art can be fascinating and beautiful by themselves, but combine the two, and you have something wondrous to behold.

Thanks to artists like James Turrell and Antonin Fourneau, we have magnificent installations that can teach a thing or two about science while simultaneously allowing us to appreciate beauty.

Among this scientifically driven art is Stanford’s Morphogenesis exhibit, which provides a welcoming presence to their scientific research building. Let’s dive a little deeper into these creative installations that combine art with science.

James Turrell

James Turrell is an artist who focuses on light, movement, and space. After purchasing a naturally formed crater in Arizona, he has devoted his time, resources, and energy to what is called the Roden Crater. This work-in-progress art installation focuses on the beauty of space through architecture, such as the Moon Chamber he created, mimicking a pinhole camera. This part of the Roden Crater will be an excellent place to observe the upcoming lunar standstill that happens every 18.6 years. The Moon Chamber is just one portion of this scientific yet creative art installation. Word has it that the exhibit will be complete soon, and it that will be an exciting day.

Antonin Fourneau

The combination of water and electricity is an interactive, creative, and scientific journey passersby can experience through Antonin Fourneau’s Waterlight Graffiti. This exhibit focuses on water as the conductor for electricity, an uncommon concept for an art installation. Created with thousands of LEDs, each one lights up when it makes contact with water. The less water applied, the dimmer the light; The more water applied, the brighter the light. This architectural display with natural qualities is an inviting twist that allows visitors to experience a creative display of science and the artistic realm.

Stanford’s Morphogenesis

Stanford University’s Morphogenesis installation was created around the five-story building that houses scientific research on Stanford’s quad. This installation is based on Alan Turing’s theory that morphogenesis describes the ways spots and stripes manifest in nature. This theory manifested as an interactive interface for users through a mesh screen. Individuals create and save patterns at the entrance of the building. This installation is nothing short of impressive, eye-catching, and thought-provoking. It also provides another hands-on experience as a creative installation that combines art with science.