Searching for New Aesthetics: Unfolding the Artistic Potential of Images Made by the Scanning Electron Microscopy

Abstract

The visual arts have become a powerful tool for alternative approaches to scientific outputs, but it is crucial that both science and art cultures are aware of their interdisciplinary capabilities and limitations. It is necessary to differentiate between images captured by devices designed as resources for scientific investigation and images that exploit the 'visual elements' of scientific images. A great example of a device designed for scientific exploration is the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), which was introduced to scientific research in the mid-1960s. This chapter outlines the procedures, processes, and methodologies used in developing a body of studio work that investigates the artistic potential of scientific images made by the Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) with a view to its possible social and cultural impact of this practice. It also outlines the developed theoretical findings and proposes that certain images made by the SEM can have esthetic value apart from that of scientific documentation. The use of artistic manipulations in experiments with the SEM fuses science and technology with art, and the SEM-based images that result provide a new meaning for scientific photomicrographs.

Enhanced scanning electron microscopy images using muscovite mica, an example with Rhizaria

“…Due to their graphic quality, SEM images are a major contribution to scientific articles and exhibitions, providing an attractive and attentiondrawing means of presenting scientific topics (Tyurina, 2020).…”

“…SEM imaging also assists in bringing out the hidden artistic side of scientists thus enhancing the interest of their work to the general public. Due to their graphic quality, SEM images are a major contribution to scientific articles and exhibitions, providing an attractive and attention‐drawing means of presenting scientific topics (Tyurina, 2020).…”