At the intersection of science and art: The “Virus X Human” exhibition

Combining art and science, while enriching, is by no means easy to pull off. All the more noteworthy is the exhibition "Virus X Human” currently on display at the Stiftungshaus Bremen, where the symbiosis of these two typically immiscible counterparts becomes tangible. Artist Heike Seyffarth and Professor Sebastian Springer from Constructor University showcase the beauty inherent in all viruses and the proteins underlying all living beings. The allure of this beauty is not solely limited to scientists.
 

Pique curiosity. Assuage fear of contact. Impart knowledge. Render the world of viruses tangible – that's what lies at the heart of the “Virus X Human” collaboration. "To me, it is a clear win-win," emphasizes Heike Seyffarth. "The exhibition has opened up insights and questions to me that would never have arisen otherwise. And I think that my musings and interventions have also triggered new perspectives on scientific topics." The exhibition is a result of collaboration between the right-brain realm of art and the left-brain domain of science. "It's not just about the aesthetic appeal of viruses,” says Sebastian Springer, head of the Molecular Immunology group at Constructor University. “We also wanted to compare the creative process in the two fields of art and science, which can be mutually beneficial."

With three-dimensional representations, proteins set to music and objects to touch and hold, exhibition-goers get to experience viruses across multiple senses. Interactive elements, experimental stations and specially designed games encourage people to participate and engage. Various audio segments provide in-depth information and round out the exhibition. "In the end, the beauty of viruses is simply the result of their highly optimized functionality. Nothing is superfluous in evolution," says Springer on the appeal of the exhibition.

Both artist and scientist have a favorite object. For Heike Seyffarth, it is the story index that provides information about selected proteins in an ambiguous way. "In my eyes, it precisely straddles reality and fantasy, leaving exhibition attendees to make an individual assessment. Through this conflict between doubt and conviction art emerges."

For Sebastian Springer, it is the audible vibrations of proteins that translate biological structures into sounds in the sense of synesthesia, the interweaving of different sensory impressions into a perception. "This exhibit is particularly interesting to me as it is unfinished," says Springer. "We are very excited to hear what our visitors have to say about it, because the progress of the project will also be determined by their feedback."

The exhibition at the Stiftungshaus Bremen, Bürgermeister-Smidt-Straße 78, remains open until April 30, 2025. Opening hours are Mon. 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. and Tue/Thu: 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. The visit is free of charge.