"Wait for your eyes to adjust to the dark."

In the darkened Exit Gallery, lit only by the soft glow of the bioluminescent bacteria on the walls, an unexpected sense of community was created among the viewers, as experienced viewers instructed newcomers about the show. 

"Great job! Microbiology for the other side of the brain!"
MSU Microbiology professor

"Pulsating artwork, alive in the depths of the sea,
now on our own walls—beautiful. Thanks."

"What a wild idea. If you feed them different food, will they glow different colors?"

"Something about the low sensory input in the dark draws one in to pay attention and absorb."

"Very creative and interesting. Some of the pieces had a very distinct 3D effect. Push this medium. Are there any other colors available?"
MSU Chemistry professor

"There is nothing new under the sun, but once in a while we run across something we didn't know about yet."

"Fascinating display! Great discussion material!"

"This was a wonderful opportunity that made learning fun." Faculty member, Learning Circle Montessori
Early Childhood School (18 children)"

"Wonderful job. It's definitely worth it to go for a second time."

Back

Sometimes gallery attendants had to switch the lights on to prove to viewers that the paintings were not created with projected light.

Many viewers came to see the show more than once—not only to recapture the experience, but to see how the paintings had changed with time.

© 2002-2008  MSU–Bozeman Bioglyphs Project
a collaboration co-created by the Montana State University–Bozeman
School of Art, the Center for Biofilm Engineering,
and billions of bioluminescent bacteria