“Monsoon’s visit brings an exciting and unconventional perspective to the One Health Microbiome Center seminar series, which typically features scientists studying diverse microbial systems. Her work challenges us to think beyond data and experiments — to visualize, interpret and engage with microbiology in new ways.” said Carolee Bull, seminar facilitator and professor of bacterial systematics and plant pathology.
Seth Bordenstein, director of the One Health Microbiome Center and professor of biology and entomology agreed.
“By merging art and science with life size displays, she delves into demystifying the microscopic world," he said. "Attendees of the seminar and workshops can expect a captivating reflection on the interconnectedness of humans and helpful organisms such as bacteria and fungi.”
Monsoon’s artistic journey has evolved from creating bacterial self-portraits — using her own microbiome as a medium — to ongoing studies of mycology, slime molds and microbial communities. Through her bacterial sculptures, fungal artworks and anatomical illustrations, she challenges traditional boundaries between self and environment, inviting viewers to reconsider the human body as an interwoven, living landscape.
Her work has been exhibited internationally via the BBC and Wellcome Trust and is featured in scientific publications, art galleries and public installations. She recently published "Collaborating with Microbes," a book celebrating 10 years of artistic collaborations with microbiologists, neuroscientists and medical researchers. The book highlights her use of living bacteria, fungi, and biofilms to create sculptures, and features reflections from her scientific partners on the impact of art in laboratory research
“As an artist working at the intersection of the creative arts and science, I see BioArt as a powerful way to make research tangible. Monsoon’s visit is an exciting opportunity to imagine unconventional collaborations and highlight the value of SciArt interactions in research as well as for public display,” White said.
The One Health Microbiome Center and the Arts and Design Research Incubator welcome Monsoon as part of an ongoing, multi-year, initiative focused on science and art synergies. Monsoon will lead a seminar and two hands-on workshops, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with her work firsthand and explore new ways of visualizing microbiomes and biological research.
Event details:
- Seminar: Collaborating with Microbes
- Friday, April 4, 11:15 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
- Thomas Building room 101, University Park Campus
- Workshop 1: Design Your Own Microbiome
- Friday, April 4, 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.
- Woskob Family Gallery, Downtown State College
- This orkshop is a part of Downtown State College First Friday Events and open to all ages. Using illustration and collaging techniques, participants will explore the hidden world of the skin microbiome. Working in pairs or alone, participants can glean from images of microbes to create dramatic and whimsical self-portraits. The workshop is designed to have fun with color, shapes and form.
- Workshop 2: Discover and Draw Plant Cells
- Saturday, April 5, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- Palmer Studio Classroom, The Arboretum & Palmer Museum of Art
- Workshop registration is required ($5.00 fee; ages 18+).
- Using epidural leaf peels and synthetic dyes, participants will observe, through a microscope, the internal cell structure revealed through the dying process. Participants will draw what they see and identify the different parts of the cell as well as learn about the discovery of the cell in 1665 by English scientist Robert Hooke. The workshop is hosted by the Arboretum at Penn State.