Have you ever wondered what a virus looks like? An E. coli bacteria? Their structures are so minuscule and yet so intriguingly powerful; deadly. They control our lives and millions of lives around the world.
Obviously not every virus and bacteria will negatively affect our lives, as some will even help our bodies carry out its normal functions. However, an artist like Luke Jerram is eagerly focused on opening everyone’s naked eyes to the lethal edge of the microscopic world through his Glass Microbiology works of art.
Luke Jerram, teamed with virologists, was able to create these microscopic bacteria and viruses using glass-blowing techniques. In his artwork, you will be able to see some of the fine details of the bacterial or viral structures, enlarged elegantly. Below are some examples of his works of art:
Here is a letter to the artist in regards to this sculpture:
Dear Luke,
I just saw a photo of your glass sculpture of HIV.
I can’t stop looking at it. Knowing that millions of those guys are in me, and will be a part of me for the rest of my life. Your sculpture, even as a photo, has made HIV much more real for me than any photo or illustration I’ve ever seen. It’s a very odd feeling seeing my enemy, and the eventual likely cause of my death, and finding it so beautiful.
Thank you.
Luke Jarrem talks about his works of art in the following video:
