Science is art in Brockman Hall for Physics

Debra Barrera’s ‘Asymmetric Seekers’ shows history, evolution of scientific discovery

Houston-based artists Carlos Hernandez and Debra Barrera created the installation after Barrera became an artist-in-residence in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. (Photo by Jeff Fitlow, video by Brandon Martin)

A new permanent art installation in Brockman Hall for Physics is a large-scale screen-printed work that represents the history and evolution of scientific discovery. Culled from images that scientists and students create and work with in their research, “Asymmetric Seekers” presents colorful images that correspond to a specific field of study within physics and astronomy.

Houston-based artists Debra Barrera and Carlos Hernandez created the installation after Barrera became an artist-in-residence in the Department of Physics and Astronomy. Barrera worked closely with students and faculty to obtain relevant imagery that pertains to ongoing research or to the history of science, from high-energy astrophysics to nuclear and particle physics. Barrera researched the history and significance behind each image and transformed the imagery in conversation with those who work and study in Brockman Hall.

The final selections were transformed into exquisitely detailed screen-printed images in partnership with Hernadez and Patrick Masterson, both master printmakers at Burning Bones Press. The images were screen-printed with ink directly on three walls in the main stairwell of Brockman Hall.

Barrera has exhibited her work in numerous solo and group exhibitions; she works in multiple media, including printmaking, drawing and sculpture. With a strong conceptual interest in scientific discovery and transportation via space and time, Barrera often employs the vernacular of travel and the vessels used to travel in much of her work.

“My work and residence here at the Department of Physics and Astronomy has led to a deeper understanding of what connects artists and scientists,” Barrera said. “We are ultimately excited by the same idea: making the impossible possible.”

“Asymmetric Seekers” was commissioned by the Rice Public Art Program. For more information, visit publicart.rice.edu.