2021 Venice Biennale Exhibition

In collaboration with award-winning artist Refik Anadol, the Hotamışlıgil Lab combined molecular biology, art and technology to create an interactive exhibit titled “Sense of Space- Molecular Architecture“, displayed at the 2021 Venice Biennale Art Exhibition.

large scale view of the Sense of Space Molecular Architecture exhibit

display at Molecular Architecture exhibit, featuring 3D printed cell and endoplasmic reticulum

Artist Refik Anadol sits in the Molecular Architecture exhibit at Venice Biennale

These displays utilized 3D printing, machine learning, FIB-EM imaging, and segmentation of 22,035 sections collected from a 1m Q3 volume. They aim to represent the complex and fascinating architecture of liver cells and their biochemical and physiological networks of healthy and unhealthy structures, underlying the greater message of metabolic health and its implications on greater global human health.

Through this collaboration, the Hotamışlıgil Lab hopes to illustrate the powerful interface between science and art. The exhibit is but a small sample of the larger volumes of sub cellular structural data and tissue samples at different states that challenge liver function. In the age of big data and machine learning, applications such as this are critical in bringing science to wider populations.

Descriptive Plaque of the "Sense of Space" exhibit

3D Print of cell and ER at Venice Biennale