Here is my piece for the visual art and prions assignment. I chose to represents the beta sheets of PrPSc, after the alpha helices of PrPc have been misfolded and malformed into the infectious PrPSc structure. This flip from alpha helices to beta sheets only changes the structure of the prion and not its chemical composition of its amino acids. Then, in its beta-sheet structure, PrPSc becomes detached from the cell membranes and is absorbed within the cell. Accumulation or PrPSc in cells occurs with exponentially increasing frequency, and leads to decaying nerves and the characteristic spongiform look of the infected brain.
I attempted to communicate this through a more abstracted beta sheet, where the general structure is present in the blue connections with the sheets uniformly layered. I did however also try to create a prion landscape, like Professor Rivera suggested. Therefore I have employed the painting technique of atmospheric perspective, where items in the distance are more blurred and hazy, while the foreground is clear and focal. I tried to create a three-dimensional perspective to my prion drawing, to communicate the length of the polypeptide chains in beta strains, but this proved difficult using the slightly unwieldy medium of ink and water.
As the other students, I also thoroughly enjoyed professor Rivera’s talk, especially her demonstration of her own work. The oil painting of the Holbein rug blew me away, especially as she explained her use of glazes and layers in creating each individual knot. I found her talk inspiring, especially concerning limitations in art, and how they can help us communicate more effectively. Perhaps several limitations will be needed for us to effectively communicate scientific principles through visual art.
I have also started thinking about my midterm assignment, and have been looking into M.C. Escher paintings and drawings, as he depicted many mathematical principles and abnormalities in his work.