HIV. © The Oxford Trust
A unique art project has gone on display at Science Oxford which involves an unusual collaboration between a science-based charitable trust and the Women’s Institute (WI).
The project is led by the Oxford Trust, a charitable organisation promoting the study of science, technology and engineering, together with various artists and 150 members of the Oxfordshire WI.
Flu Virus. © The Oxford Trust
The exhibition, called Designs For Life, runs until January 19 2007 and features a set of stunning pieces of textile art inspired by images of viruses and cells from diseases such as breast cancer, Alzheimer’s, malaria, HIV and flu.
Thirty panels depict the diseases, which are to be investigated as part of the health related research conducted at the New Diamond Light Source Synchrotron facility when it opens in 2007 near Didcot. When the artwork finishes touring Oxfordshire it will be permanently displayed in the atrium of Diamond.
Maureen White, Oxfordshire WI Project Leader. © The Oxford Trust
Designed by textile artist and teacher Anne Griffiths, WI members have been stitching, dyeing, quilting and embroidering to produce the work, which is highly visual and abstract.
As an introduction to the project WI members also had the opportunity to participate in workshops with scientists about the research into the diseases that will be undertaken.
Cancer Cell. © The Oxford Trust
The exhibition’s first stop will be Science Oxford, which is the home of the Oxford Trust and a new cultural centre for science, which provides a stylish and contemporary venue that brings scientists and the public together in a unique environment.
On January 11, scientists researching some of the diseases depicted in the artwork will take part in a Scientists On The Sofa event to discuss their research.
Funding for the project came from the Wellcome Trust.
