Science and Art

Darwin2009: Spiral of Life Mural Series

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Spiral of Life I: From Darwin to Today
Installed at the Carnegie Science Center (February 2009)
App. 4.5ft x 4 ft
Thanks to Azur Cherin, Mike Hennessy and whole team at the Carnegie Science Center.
Located on the 4th floor, next to "Ask Darwin"

In this mural, we wanted to let people know more of Darwin's character, than the imposing older gentleman scientist. Darwin started as a curious young man who went out on the trip of his life around the world, who ate his specimens at least as often as he tagged them, and at least once tried to ride on top of them. The piece highlights certain organisms that Darwin studied directly, with his "own" notes, based on Darwin's extensive writings.

Detail from "Spiral of Life I: From Darwin to Today." Above, these notes show that Darwin was a cautious scientist who certainly did not feel above criticism.

Getting to Know Darwin

What would you ask Darwin if you had a chance? "Darwin Synthetic Interview" is multimedia kiosk that uses a technology patented by the Entertainment Technology Center of Carnegie Mellon University. This kiosk lets the visitor ask 199 questions of a virtual Charles Darwin about his life, travels, science and even religion. Darwin's answers are complemented by a roster of modern experts that add a contemporary perspective.

"Spiral I" builds on this kiosk to connect our modern understanding of evolution to the father of the field, while also shedding some light into Darwin's character.

Click the link to learn more about Darwin Synthetic Interview >>

Installation of "Spiral I" next to "Ask Darwin" at the Carnegie Science Center.