This year, the symposium invited visiting artists to create a special series, integrating artistic expression into the discourse on scientific inquiry. Wushuang interweaves the captivating world of biology with the exquisite artistry of ceramic sculpture. By employing microscopic images of plant cells gleaned from molecular plant science, each piece unveils the fragile beauty and inherent complexity that pervade life.

The ceramics as the medium reflect the inherent vulnerability of both the material and the ecosphere. The fragility of ceramics, susceptible to fracture under stress, serves as a metaphor for the delicate balance within ecosystems and the interdependence of all living organisms. Just as the ceramic pieces require careful handling to avoid damage, our natural environment calls for prudent stewardship and conservation efforts to preserve its integrity.

Co-scientist: Mengke Zhou

An intriguing juxtaposition of seemingly disparate elements lies in pieces: the transformative power of fire in the creation of ceramics and the perilous nature of heat for plants. While ceramics require exposure to extreme temperatures to achieve their final form and strength, plants are inextricably vulnerable to heat, which can prove devastating to their growth and survival. This contrast presents the diverse and intricate processes that shape our world and underscores the entanglement that governs all life.