Spots installation developed with participation of JINR

In July, the Russian Museum hosted the exhibition "Empathy Machines". 13 projects at the intersection of science and art were presented at the exhibition.

The graduates of master's programme in Art & Science of ITMO explored how ideas related to science and new technologies change the structure of our society. The Spots installation by Nail Gainulov and Vlada Oleinik was developed in collaboration with JINR. The exposition featured autoradiographic images of feathers and sculptures of parts of the skeleton of birds, reflecting the effect of radiation on living organisms. The feathers placed on the X-ray film eventually leave a visible imprint on it, reflecting the places of accumulation of radionuclides. In sculptures of bird skeletons, the authors try to imagine how animals can change in the future under prolonged exposure to radiation. Artists invite everyone into a dialogue about the transformative power of the invisible effects of radiation on life on Earth. The junior researcher at DLNP Mikhail Zarubin shared his experience in participating in the project.

Why did you decide to take part in the project?

- I could not refuse, since I had previously seen Japanese works by the artist Masamichi Kagaya and Professor Satoshi Mori (Autoradiograph - Works of Nuclear God) that obtained images of objects contaminated with radionuclides after the accident at the Fukushima nuclear power plant using autoradiography.

What was the help of JINR employees in developing the installation?

- Based on investigations, we tried to implement a thought experiment on what changes can occur in living organisms with prolonged exposure to increased background radiation. Other tasks are to consult with obtaining samples for autoradiographic images and to help with technical equipment.

Why is it important to participate in such projects?

- It seems to me that such collaboration between science and art can not only enrich the search for new artistic ideas and images, but also influence scientists and society themselves, offering unexpected approaches to identifying the current issues on our planet.

JINR Press Office