96 Variations on a Phylogenetic Tree is an art installation in the Bessey Hall atrium. It developed through a collaborative process with University Scientists. Together, we studied how we might fill the atrium with a representation of the Phylogenetic Tree, also known as the Tree of Life.
In biology, The Tree of Life shows evolutionary relationships among all organisms. It is a diagram that branches upward from “a common ancestral life-form”, or the origin of all species. The branches, known as “taxa” to biologists, are groups of closely related species. Three “domains” (Bacteria, Archaea, and Eucaryota) encompass the taxa.
We made our tree in stainless steel ball chain. Thousands of individual chains interconnect like a web, and are suspended within the atrium. The chains, each hanging from two points, represent the branches. Three contrasting colors indicate the three domains. Near the bottom of the installation, a single vertical chain represents the common ancestor.
Garnet Hertz - conceptlab.com
Engineered Artworks | Large-Scale Installation Art : Innovative Design : Custom Fabrication
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Engineered Artworks | Large-Scale Installation Art : Innovative Design : Custom Fabrication
Engineered Artworks | Large-Scale Installation Art : Innovative Design : Custom Fabrication