cellulart

Cellulart is a term used to describe a multidisciplinary practice that merges cellular biology and visual art to explore the forms, processes, and data of living cells. It encompasses scientific visualization, data-driven artworks, and immersive installations that translate microscopic phenomena into perceptible experiences. Although not a formal academic discipline, cellulart is employed by artists, scientists, and educators to provoke dialogue about cellular life and to broaden public understanding of biology.

Practices commonly involve collaboration between artists and biologists. Methods include analysis and reinterpretation of microscopy data (such as fluorescence or confocal images), digital rendering, algorithmic or generative art, and 3D printing or sculpture. Some projects use preserved cellular materials for display, while others incorporate controlled, biosafety-compliant demonstrations of live cells. Ethical and safety considerations are central, with attention to containment, consent where appropriate, and the responsible presentation of scientific data.

Themes often addressed in cellulart include cell morphology, organelle dynamics, cell signaling pathways, division and differentiation, tissue organization, and developmental processes. The aim is to illuminate hidden scales and complex interactions, making abstract cellular concepts tangible for diverse audiences.

Applications and reception: cellulart projects appear in galleries, science museums, festivals, and academic outreach programs. They serve educational objectives, support science communication, and provide data visualization that complements conventional research outputs. Critics note the potential for aestheticization of science and stress the need for accurate representation and transparent credit for data sources.