Art from molecular models
by Chemjobber on Apr 28 2010 (13034 Views)
"Heme", by Alexander Kobulnicky
In my travels here and about online, I recently found the paintings of Alexander Kobulnicky. He paints molecular models of, well, molecules, ranging from the life-giving ("Heme", to the left) to the fun-related (THC, if that's your thing) to the life-taking (CO.) The background of the artwork is most noteworthy -- Mr. Kobulnicky paints what comes to mind with each different molecule. I think that thorazine is the one with the best background, although psilocybin comes in a close second.
Each painting comes with a little description of the relevant chemistry and an interesting structural note to make a chemist's heart warm: "These molecules are rendered as space-filling models, in a natural, low-energy conformation, and displayed from an angle that shows off as much of their structure as possible."
While I'm not quite to the art-collecting stage of my life yet, I have to say that I'm pretty enthusiastic about owning one of these someday.
I love an image of a nebula like any good scientist but it is nice to see someone do art for chemistry. His work reminds me of Italian frescoes.
Thanks for pointing out this art. I could definately see this as being good point of discussion if you were to purchase any of these - especially the CO painting.
I second Sean's comment - and I like the CO one the best from those you linked!!! I actually paint, but my acrylic stuff is more crystals-through-polarized-light sort of stuff.
Do you guys remember a woman mentioned in C&EN a couple years ago who made by treating copper with chemicals? (And by a couple apparently I meant FOUR!) - if you start collecting, I'd add some of Cheryl Safren to the mix.
Don't know if my second link worked but her website is here: http://www.safren.com/
I liked Kobulnicky's bio
"after spilling a beaker of nitric acid on his hand, he decided to leave applied chemistry to more adroit students, and took a degree in philosophy at the University of Connecticut instead."
The Degree in Philosophy reflected in his art.