An extraordinary art exhibition that combines art and science in a unique way opens on Sunday in Vienna. The artist Erich Schopf presents his technique of ‘bacteriography’ together with photographer Uli Kallinger. Living bacterial cultures are used as an artistic medium. With a precise hand and scientific knowledge, Schopf creates impressive images.
Erich Schopf discovered the microcosm at a young age. At the age of 14, he became, as he says, captivated by colorful and hidden things. Schopf was professionally involved in the development of paints and gained his first artistic experiences with centrifugal paintings, in which the centrifugal force and the placement of colors were cleverly expressed.
Making the world of the microcosm more than just visible
‘Bacteriography’ is a word coined by the artist, with which he managed to make the world of the microcosm so visible that it could find its way into art. Simply put, it is drawing and painting with bacteria. The artist sees ‘bacteriography’ as a symbiosis of art and science.
“It is fascinating to see how bacterial cultures grow and how works of art are created,” says Schopf. Only a few microorganisms have the ability to compose very complex images, the artist adds. A small starting point is sufficient. “I called the painting ‘bacteriography’ and the compositions ‘bacterio-aesthetics’.”
Photographer captures the beauty of ‘bacteriography’ with camera
Since June 2023, professional soldier and photographer Uli Kallinger has been photographing the microbes and artworks of Erich Schopf – and capturing the beauty and complexity of ‘bacteriography’ with his camera. “They (the microbes; pay attention) always amaze us when we examine them,” says Kallinger about the fascinating collaboration with the artist.
Anyone who wants to know more about the unique ‘bacteriography’ and how you can paint (almost) invisibly now has the opportunity to admire the impressive photos in Vienna. From May 19 to June 1, the works will be on display at the City Gallery Vienna at Mahlerstrasse 11 in the city of Vienna.
Source: Krone
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