Nestled just outside the
Academy of Natural Sciences' special exhibit space (featuring
"Chocolate: The Exhibition" through Saturday, Jan. 24) lies a small gallery for art inspired by the sciences.
Now through Sunday, May 31, the space plays host to
"Caryn Babaian: Nature in Chalk." Consisting of just a handful of pieces, this quiet display could easily be missed by museum-goers eager to learn about chocolate's storied history or rushing toward the upcoming
"Titanoboa: Monster Snake" exhibit.
However, those who slow down a bit will find themselves immersed in nature through a series of large-scale chalk drawings. These works are
mandalas, a design that originated in Hinduism and Buddhism as a spiritual symbol and is often used in art to symbolize a microcosm of the universe. They are often geometric, symmetrical, elaborately decorated and colorful.
Each of Babaian's mandalas focuses on a different living system. You'll see an undersea world, as depicted above, as well as flowers, insects, forest animals and more. Her works should be viewed up close and personal, from every angle, because the use of materials makes each piece rich with texture, color and depth. For children, the amalgam of animals and plants makes the exhibit a giant game of I Spy.
Stick around the gallery to watch the accompanying video on Babaian. Not only is she an accomplished artist, but she is also a biology professor at Bucks County Community College, where she uses art to
draw her students into the world of science.
Now through Sunday, May 31
10 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday, open until 5 p.m. on weekends
$15.95 for ages 13 and up, $13.95 for ages 12 to 3
The Academy of Natural Sciences1900 Benjamin Franklin Parkway
(215) 299-1000
Caryn Babaian/Academy of Natural Sciences
