Art Science Gallery Aims To Artfully Engage Patrons On Scientific Topics

EAST AUSTIN, TX -- DOWNTOWN AUSTIN-UT, TX -- The combining of science and art is not like oil and water or comparing apples to oranges. Instead, elements of both can intersect to create a natural interconnection, each informing the other in the interplay.

That’s the idea behind the Art Science Gallery in East Austin, founded by UT alumna Hayley Gillespie. The Ecology, Evolution and Behavior doctoral graduate is featured in the current issue of the college-run newspaper The Daily Texan.

Gillespie said the aim of the gallery is to engage people in science-related issues through art.

That goal seems to be working, as student patrons rave about the gallery’s thought-provoking art installations.

Biochemistry sophomore Anjali Chacko said she especially appreciates the accessible manner with which science is presented, a context she wishes were more prevalent in other areas of her life.

“When I see a painting of a historical event, even if I read the description next to it, I’d still need further education on the subject,” Chacko said.

Biochemistry senior Immanuelle Azebe-Osime agreed, saying she often finds herself appreciating art only in the abstract given her scientific mind.

“Art is very dense to me, and I can’t understand it sometimes,” she said. “Especially visual arts.”

Located at 916 Springdale Rd., the gallery was launched in 2012.

Its current exhibition titled “Cosmic” began Jan. 15 and is scheduled to run until Feb. 20. In it, the gallery’s print makers explore the cosmos in visually dramatic ways.

A current display titled “In Danger,” highlights the alarming rate of species decline and extinction throughout the world. The issue is presented visually, but with the rigors of scientific vetting.

Among the scientific explanatory discipline: Today’s extinction rate is estimated to be between 1,000 to 10,000 times higher than the natural extinction rate. Another: An estimated 150-200 species become extinct every 24 hours.

Through the visual engagement of art, the gallery mission is to introduce people to such urgent, real-world concepts.

The Art.Science.Gallery is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12 p.m.–6 p.m.