Monsoon’s work spans multiple disciplines incorporating illustration, sculpture, and living organisms to reveal the hidden microbial world, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses, as well as plant life, neurology, and human anatomy. By collaborating with scientists, she transforms complex research into visual art, making scientific discoveries more accessible to the public. A key aspect of her practice is the use of sculptural representations of her own body to cultivate and display microbial life, offering a unique perspective on the unseen ecosystems that shape existence.

Monsoon’s visit brings a fresh and unconventional perspective to the One Health Microbiome Center seminar series, which traditionally features scientists exploring various microbial systems. Her work challenges us to move beyond data and experiments to visualize, interpret, and engage with microbiology in new and thought-provoking ways said Carolee Bull seminar facilitator and professor of bacterial systematics and plant pathology.

Seth Bordenstein director of the One Health Microbiome Center and professor of biology and entomology, echoed this sentiment. By merging art and science through life-sized displays, she helps demystify the microscopic world he said. Attendees of the seminar and workshops can expect a fascinating exploration of the deep connections between humans and beneficial organisms like bacteria and fungi

Monsoon’s artistic journey has evolved from crafting bacterial self-portraits using her own microbiome as a medium to in-depth explorations of mycology, slime molds, and microbial communities. Through her bacterial sculptures, fungal artworks and anatomical illustrations, she blurs the lines between self and environment encouraging viewers to see the human body as a dynamic interconnected ecosystem.

Her work has been showcased internationally through platforms such as the BBC and the Wellcome Trust and is featured in scientific journals, art galleries, and public installations. She recently published Collaborating with Microbes a book marking a decade of artistic partnerships with microbiologists neuroscientists, and medical researchers. The book highlights her use of living bacteria, fungi, and biofilms to create sculptures and includes reflections from her scientific collaborators on the role of art in laboratory research.

As an artist working at the intersection of the creative arts and science I see BioArt as a powerful tool for making research more tangible said White. Monsoon’s visit presents an exciting opportunity to envision unconventional collaborations and emphasize the importance of SciArt interactions in both research and public engagement.

The One Health Microbiome Center and the Arts and Design Research Incubator are hosting Monsoon as part of an ongoing multi-year initiative exploring the intersections of science and art. During her visit Monsoon will lead a seminar and two interactive workshops, giving attendees a hands-on experience with her work and introducing new ways to visualize microbiomes and biological research.

Source: https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/bioartist-mellissa-monsoon-present-collaborating-microbes