PHILADELPHIA, PA -- (September 24, 2018) – The latest exhibition at the Esther Klein Gallery explores design, architecture and plant biology while highlighting the dynamic processes happening within plant roots. Without Roots features works by Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Professor and Artist Dolores Bartholomew, students from the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts participating in Bartholomew’s “Topics in Science” class, Dr. Jason Diaz of La Salle University, and the Gallagher Plant Biology Laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. An Art and Science Lecture will be held by Jason Diaz and Dolores Bartholomew on September 27 at 4 p.m. at the Esther Klein Gallery, 3600 Market Street, followed by the exhibit’s closing reception.
Without Roots delves into the ways that plants adjust and change the structure of the root in response to environmental conditions and highlights the cell-to-cell communication that coordinates this complicated process. The installation addresses the effects of climate change that are proving challenging for plants to cope with, particularly the abnormal perception levels, in addition to temperature changes being observed the world over.
Viewers can take a closer look at plant roots through interactive media. A larger-than-life sculpture demonstrates the root’s symmetric construction as well as the complex structures hidden within cells. Without Roots invites conversations about the impact humans are making on the earth and inspires reflection on the current political and social climate that is a result of climate change. The show also seeks to encourage tolerance, diversity and the capacity to adapt to an ever-changing world.
The Esther Klein Gallery’s mission is to positively impact the cultural life of our West Philadelphia neighborhood and the broader community. EKG programming uses the creative arts as a platform to explore the relationships between art, science and technology. The gallery is home to exhibitions, artist talks, panel discussions, performances and special events.
About the Science Center
Located in the heart of uCity Square, the Science Center is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that catalyzes and connects innovation to entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. For 50+ years, the Science Center has supported startups, research, and economic development in the life sciences, healthcare, physical sciences, and emerging technology sectors. As a result, graduate firms and current residents of the Science Center’s incubator support one out of every 100 jobs in the Greater Philadelphia region and drive $13 billion in economic activity in the region annually. By providing resources and programming for any stage of a business’s lifecycle, the Science Center helps scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators take their concepts from idea to IPO – and beyond. For more information about the Science Center, go to www.sciencecenter.org
