Image: Rachel Fawn Alban Mycelium, 2026, digital image
This is not an exhibition, but an interactive display created in collaboration with the Rutgers University Newark Sci-Art Program. Featuring creative projects exploring the intersection of Science and Art – this display is focused on experimental, eco-friendly materials being used by scientists, artists and designers.
Many of the works in this room are made from mycelium. One of the oldest life forms on this planet, mycelium is the root-like structure of fungi/mushrooms. When cultivated in certain conditions it can be used in a sculptural manner, literally growing works of art. We demonstrate the process of working with mycelium and the various stages, from inoculated shredded hemp through to sculptural pieces.
Some of the work is made with bio-plastics. Nowadays we are very familiar with Polyvinyl chloride (PVC), Polystyrene and polyethylene, all materials which are based a bi-product of the oil refining process and synthesized by humans. Bioplastics are made with various ingredients found in the natural world, such as gelatin (boiling the skin, connective tissues, and bones of animals, primarily pigs and cows), glycerin (made from plant-based oils such as palm, soybean, coconut, rapeseed and animal fats including beef/mutton tallow), cellulose, pigments ground from stone, and so on. Some artists and designers are now engaging with non-petrochemical bio-plastics, which are believed to be a more environmentally friendly alternative, capable of breaking down and not persisting after their intended use.
We have a section dedicated to microscopes. Here you can examine specimens, and see examples of microscopy images made by the students. Another section is dedicated to books exploring matters of science and art.
Artwork in the exhibition has come from the Department of Arts, Culture and Media class “3-D Design Fundamentals”, students from the Rutgers Business School (Center for Local Supply Chain Resiliency), and students from Newark’s Science Park High School (Environmental Studies). We also invited a number of artists to work onsite with mycelium in new and innovative ways.
The Sci-Art Collaborative Program focuses on interdisciplinary learning, bringing together art and science. The Program is supported by the Paul Robeson Galleries, the Clement A. Price Institute, the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences (Khadempour Lab), the Rutgers Business School (Public Private Community Partnership Program) and the Department of Arts, Culture & Media (Form Design Studio).
The Paul Robeson Galleries’ programs are supported, in part, by a grant from the City of Newark (Creative Catalyst Fund), and by private donations. We appreciate the support of Express Newark, The Robeson Campus Center, and the Cultural Programming Committee, Rutgers University-Newark.
