Science and art combine in sculptural exploration of barley root angles
Rosie Shepherd, a fine art student at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD) has drawn on the work of Dr Gwendolyn Kirschner of The James Hutton Institute.
‘How do plant stems and branches grow upwards, but roots grow downwards?’ Her research asks this question. The work highlights the overlooked beauty and complexity of gravitropism—the ability of roots to sense, and grow in response to, gravity.
At the centre of the installation is a participatory metal sculpture that invites viewers to physically engage with the phenomenon of gravity. Rosie said, “I kindly recommend that the viewer slowly rotates the handle to see how the roots adapt to the gravitational pull.”
Behind the sculpture, a complementary multimedia artwork takes inspiration from artist Sophie McKay Knight, known for her layered combinations of print and paint that reveal microscopic biological imagery. Rosie has incorporated microscopic analyses of roots and organic forms created from dried leaf stems, echoing McKay Knight’s layered visual language, while integrating her own scientific observations.
The collaboration has been rewarding for both parties. Dr Kirschner said, “I find it fascinating to rethink how to present scientific research to broader audiences. Artists often consider how display reinforces message, something we biologists sometimes overlook. I also find roots visually compelling and love seeing them incorporated into artwork.”
Rosie has made several suspended sculptures over the past couple of years so was drawn to Dr Kirschner’s studies of gravity. She said, “I knew there was a common ground between our work and that I could portray her ideas using sculpture.
“Speaking to a scientist directly enriched my understanding in a way that books or online research never could. Learning about her years of work, and the small community researching this topic, made me feel that I could bring visibility to her studies through art. This collaboration has opened my eyes to the potential of working across disciplines, and it’s something I hope to continue.”
The Hutton is home to the International Barley Hub (IBH), which promotes excellence in barley science and collaboration across the scientific, industrial and commercial sectors, with the goal of generating new discoveries and translating them into wider economic, social and commercial benefits. Through their pioneering research, IBH scientists aim to improve the resilience and sustainability of barley crop production and mitigate the impacts of climate and environmental change.
Now in its fourteenth year, Art, Science and Visual Thinking is one of the flagship 3rd-year elective modules at DJCAD. Each year, science tutors from across the University of Dundee and partner institutions, including the Hutton and the University of St Andrews, offer talks and one-to-one sessions with students. From these interactions, students develop artworks that communicate, interpret, or reimagine scientific ideas.
Their final work is exhibited in the Lifespace gallery and assessed on its artistic response to the science.
The exhibition runs until 16th January, by appointment only.
