University exhibition takes visitors on evolutionary journey

The exhibition, called Liquid, Light and Time, will feature just some of the highlights.

Renowned globally for her innovative and colourful work, Pery Burge grew up in Launceston, North Cornwall, and now lives in Ottery in Devon. Over the last year, she has been working with University engineering, mathematics and physics researchers and students to find a new way of bringing art and science together. The result is a wealth of new work, much of it produced using innovative techniques developed in the University’s laboratories.

Pery uses inks, water and other fluids to explore natural processes, creating images of fluid flow and the patterning of light by photographing or filming the surface tension-driven flows of ink as it moves by itself on the water. The images are often time-rich, simultaneously showing forms at different stages of development.

The exhibition will include 24 of her works produced at the University using a range of media, from light on glass to ink in water. She will also display new video pieces. The work takes the viewer on a journey through time, from the origins of life to complex beings.

Pery Burge said: "Working at the University has given me the opportunity to develop some exciting new techniques, with some surprising results. University technicians have helped me with using some wonderful equipment in the Fluids Laboratory, and I have enjoyed fruitful discussions with scientists and engineers. The experience is helping me appreciate the world in a new way, and I have produced a lot of new work as a result."

Professor Ken Evans, Dean of the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences at the University of Exeter said: “Pery is the first artist-in-residence we have hosted in the College and her residency has been a great success. We have gained so much from having her perspective on our work as scientists, mathematicians and engineers. I have thoroughly enjoyed seeing the amazing images that have resulted from these interactions.”

The exhibition is open daily from 08.30 to 17.30 Monday to Friday between 2 and 27 July at the Innovation Centre, Streatham Campus, University of Exeter. There will also be a special viewing with the artist on 5 July from 15.30-17.30.