ADHERE: Helping art and science stick together

In his exhibition currently on display at the Science Museum of Virginia, VCU grad Nickolai Walko shows the intricate workings of the human body using…tape.

July 30, 2015; 2:57 PM • by Valerie Catrow

When Richmonders think of the Science Museum of Virginia, our brains typically go right to watching movies in the Dome; waiting for the Foucault Pendulum to FINALLY knock over one of those dang pins; and, of course, rats playing basketball.¹

One thing that doesn’t typically come to mind? Art.

But thanks to ADHERE, an exhibit from VCU School of the Arts graduate Nickolai Walko, visitors to the Science Museum get the chance to experience the worlds of science and art at the same time–and in a quirky, unexpected way.

Inspired by works from the Renaissance and Pop Art movements, Walko uses tape (yes! tape!) to portray anatomy. Here’s how he does it:

While it’s cool to watch Walko do his thing on that video, it’s nothing compared to seeing the finished products in person; each serves as a fantastic reminder of the intricacies of the human body and how we’re all put together.

ADHERE will stay on display at the Science Museum through October 4th. You’ll find it on the second floor of the museum, just a hop, skip, and a jump away from The Human Body, which explores cells, reproduction, genetics, bioethics, and nutrition. I highly recommended checking out both exhibits on the same visit–you’ll get a nice mix of “Aha!” and “Oh wow!” moments.

“Exhibits Only” admission to the museum is $11 for adults, $10 for kids ages 4 through 12, and free for members and children 3 and under. Stop by the website for more information on these exhibits and other ticketing options.