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The show offers an extensive view of the scientific studies carried out by three of photography’s greats. Each of these artists invented devices that studied and represented aspects of science and motion photographically.
Muybridge and Abbott, both primarily artists, became interested in science as a photographic subject. In the course of their efforts to document scientific phenomena and motion accurately, they became inventors, as well.
Muybridge’s success in making stop-motion photographs of a racehorse led to his famed studies in animal locomotion.
Abbott’s role as photography editor for Science Illustrated led her on a path to become an innovator in scientific photography.
First and foremost a scientist, Edgerton performed stroboscopic experiments and documented them photographically while teaching at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, bringing him providentially into the world of art when the Museum of Modern Art in New York featured his famous milk drop image in its first photography exhibition in 1937.
Though Edgerton, Muybridge and Abbott arrived at the nexus of photography and science in different ways, they revealed to us, intelligently and artistically, that which was previously unseen. Their successful partnering of science and photography led to the creation of new technologies and new teaching strategies that have helped to usher us into the modern age.
“The arts enrich our communities, celebrate the past and inspire our future,” said Bill Tommins, Southern Connecticut Market President for Bank of America. “We’re proud to partner with the Bruce Museum by lending pieces from our Bank of America Collection for the benefit of all visitors. By sharing these dynamic photographs, we hope to foster great learning and inspiration.”
Three free programs will complement the exhibition:
Monday, July 18 from 10:30-11:45 a.m., there will be a film screening of “Berenice Abbott: A View of the Twentieth Century.” The film will be followed by a Q&A session with a museum staff member.
Monday, Aug. 1 from 10-11:15 a.m., there will be a science and motion lecture. Dr. David Fresko, visiting assistant professor of culture and media at The New School, will discuss Muybridge's work.
Tuesday, Sept. 13 from 6:30-8 p.m., there will be a science and motion lecture, "Synthetic Biology: Designing Living Things" by Dr. Christina Agapakis, creative director at Gingko Bioworks. Light refreshments will be served at 6:30 p.m. and the lecture is from 7-8 p.m.
Please register for these programs at info@brucemuseum.org or by calling 203-413-6757.
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