Phy-Topic by Rob Kesseler, a Professor of Ceramic Art & Design at Central Saint Martins College of Art & Design, University of the Arts, London, is a photo series that offers a microscopic look at various parts of vegetation including whole fruits and leaves as well as seeds and pollen. A visual feast for the eyes, the images are slightly deceptive. Kesseler has first dipped the specimens in gold before shooting them. From there, he paints layers of color and texture onto the images, explaining, "just as the original plant employs color-coded messages to attract an audience of insect collaborators."
Working with the Millennium Seed Bank, the images in Phy-Topic by Rob Kesseler were obtained through the use of a scanning electron microscope for maximum amount detail.
Microscopic Vegetation Portraits
Phy-Topic by Rob Kesseler Captures Vibrant Seeds and Pollen
Trend Themes
1. Microscopic Photography - Opportunity for artists and scientists to collaborate and push the boundaries of what can be seen and captured.
2. Biophilic Design - Potential for incorporating natural forms and patterns into architecture and products.
3. Botanical Illustration 2.0 - Update of traditional botanical illustration using modern technology and techniques for a new generation.
Industry Implications
1. Art and Photography - Innovative techniques for artists and photographers to create visually stunning and scientifically informative pieces.
2. Biotechnology - Capacity to use these images to inspire and inform biotech researchers in the fields of plant genetics and biomimicry.
3. Natural Beauty and Skincare - means of incorporating natural shapes and textures into product packaging and marketing materials.