Art and Science Collide at Caltech: A Captivating Exhibition
As PST ART bids a fond farewell, we look back at another noteworthy art show that took place in 2024: ‘Crossing Over: Art and Science at Caltech 1920-2020.’ This unique exhibition, which ran from September 27 to December 15, 2024, demonstrated the fascinating interplay between artistic expression and scientific inquiry at Caltech.
Josef J. Johnson, Niuafoʻou Eclipse, 1930
Photo Courtesy of Caltech
The Exhibition at Caltech: A Unique Blend of Art and Science
One of the highlights of PST Art and Science Collide wasn’t hosted at a traditional museum or gallery. Instead, it showcased Caltech’s transformative ‘Crossing Over: Art and Science at Caltech 1920-2020.’ This exhibition featured works by renowned artists like Shana Maberi, Jane Drucker, Lita Albuquerque, and Helen Pashgian.
Caltech’s official description of the exhibition provides insight into its theme: ‘In 1912, Nobel laureate Thomas Hunt Morgan and technician Eleth Cattell coined the term ‘crossing over’ to describe genetic recombination. This phrase symbolizes the intricate interaction between art and science at Caltech—a relationship that has been both productive and challenging.’
A Campus-Wide Quest for Discovery
What made ‘Crossing Over’ particularly engaging was its campus-wide format, with art installations throughout the campus. Caltech’s compact, eclectic architecture includes a blend of historic buildings, 1960s structures, and modern edifices. With Pasadena’s temperate climate, there’s plenty of outdoor space for students and faculty to gather, often adorned with whiteboards filled with equations.
Outdoor White boards at Caltech
Photo by Tom Teicholz
The Infinite Lawn and Spectrum Petals: A Visual Symphony
The exhibition’s first installation, ‘The Infinite Lawn and Spectrum Petals,’ greeted visitors at Bechtel Mall, the central quad of Caltech. Shana Maberi’s seven circular discs, each a different color, created a stunning contrast on the grass. These sculptures not only interact with sunlight but also evoke the works of California Light and Space artists from the 1970s, evoking a sense of mystery and contemplation.
Installation view, Petals by Shana Maberi, Caltech
Photo by Tom Teicholz
Exploring the Linde Laboratory: A Glimpse into the Past
The tour then moved inside to the Linde Laboratory for Global Environmental Science, completed in 1932. Inside, a small solar telescope provided live images of the sun, while an adjacent classroom offered a nostalgic glimpse into 1930s education. The room’s architectural details even inspired visions of Einstein, who visited Caltech in 1931 to 1933.
The Gates Annex: A Modern Take on Opposites
Next, the exhibition led visitors to the Gates Annex, a building that, while modern to our eyes, was constructed in the 1960s. Jane Drucker’s ‘Time Stream’ installation in the annex’s library explored the concept of attraction between opposites. Outside, Lita Albuquerque’s ‘This Moment in Time,’ a gold bridge across the reflecting pool, drew parallels to her previous work and to Caltech’s pioneering research in nuclear fusion.
Helen Pashgian’s Art: Perception and Light
The final stop was at the Chen Neuroscience Research Building, where Helen Pashgian’s latest work, ‘Untitled (2023),’ was on display. As a Light and Space artist who was part of Caltech’s artist-in-residence program in 1969, Pashgian’s installation utilized radiant lenses that change appearance due to the viewer’s perception of light—a testament to the intersection of art and scientific understanding.
Helen Pashgian, Untitled, 2023
Photo courtesy of Caltech
The Legacy of Art and Science at Caltech
Caltech’s ‘Crossing Over’ exhibition demonstrated the enduring relationship between art and science, encouraging viewers to appreciate the unique blend of creativity and intellectual curiosity. This collaboration is a tribute to Caltech’s long-standing commitment to fostering interdisciplinary dialogue.
Conclusion: A Journey Worth Revisiting
While PST ART may have wrapped up its exhibitions, ‘Crossing Over: Art and Science at Caltech 1920-2020’ remains a standout example of how these two fields can coexist and enhance each other. If you find yourself in Pasadena, take the time to explore Caltech’s campus and experience this remarkable fusion of art and science.
What are your thoughts on the exhibition? Share your reflections in the comments below!
