ANN ARBOR, Mich., July 16, 2002 (PRIMEZONE) -- Radioactive Biohazard, a controversial art installation by Dr. Hunter O'Reilly, will show at the University of Michigan Warren Robbins Gallery, Ann Arbor, Mich., Sept. 3-26, 2002, and at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Porter Butts Gallery, Madison, Wisc., Jan. 25 - Feb. 24, 2003.
This installation explores sensitive and topical themes involving biotechnology and genetics. The media used include an interpretation of a genetics lab bench; digital art incorporating microscopic images of deadly diseases, such as ebola and anthrax; and artwork incorporating biomorphic imagery to explore themes such as human cloning and stem cell research: www.RadioactiveBiohazard.com
Radioactive Biohazard reflects Dr. O'Reilly's compelling ability to synthesize art and science, reflecting her background as both an internationally shown artist and also, Ph.D. graduate in genetics from University of Wisconsin-Madison. Dr. O'Reilly's artwork has been featured on several international scientific journal covers such as "Trends in Ecology and Evolution." Dr. O'Reilly's career teaching both biology and art at the University of Wisconsin-Parkside reflects this unusual combination. http://www.uwp.edu/academic/biology/bioart
"Too many people have irrational fears of biotechnology," says Dr. O'Reilly. "Human cloning, stem cell research and genetic profiling will soon be as common as X-rays, MRIs and chemotherapy, which were all initially demonized."
During Dr. O'Reilly's recent lecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, she underscored the need for scientists to bridge the gap between the public's flawed perception of biotechnology and the real world benefits biotechnology has delivered: "Without scientists working to share their perspective, it is too easy for Albert Einstein to be mistaken for Dr. Frankenstein."
Dr. O'Reilly's exhibit is sponsored by the University of Michigan's Life Sciences, Values and Society Program, which aims to foster scholarly and public debate about the difficult ethical questions raised by developments in the life sciences.
Cosponsors of the exhibit at the University of Michigan are the Department of Human Genetics; Public Health Genetics Program; Gifts of Art, University of Michigan Health System; Health Science Scholars Program; the Life Sciences Institute; Penny W. Stamps Distinguished Artist Series, the School of Art and Design; Program in Culture, Health and Medicine; the Science, Technology and Society Program; the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program; the Women in Science and Engineering Residence Program; and Students Exploring the Life Sciences and Society.
Radioactive Biohazard Tour Itinerary and Lectures Sept. 3-26, 2002 Warren Robbins Gallery University of Michigan 2000 Bonisteel Blvd. Ann Arbor, MI 48109 Phone: 734-936-2082 Hours: Mon.-Fri. 9 am - 5 pm Gallery Talk and Reception: Sept. 20 at 7 pm Genetics Seminar: Sept. 23 at 4 pm 5915 Buhl Building in Rm. 4933 Human Genetics Lounge Jan. 25 - Feb. 24, 2003 Porter Butts Gallery University of Wisconsin-Madison 800 Langdon Street Madison, WI 53706 Phone: 608-262-7592 Hours: Daily 10 am - 8 pm Both exhibits are free and open to the public.