'Glass Microbiology': Artist Luke Jerram Sees Beauty In Deadly Viruses (PHOTOS)

Artist Sculpts Deadly Viruses

It’s almost impossible to find beauty in disease, but UK artist Luke Jerram managed to do so through his art.

In the series "Glass Microbiology," the artist created intricate glass sculptures of deadly viruses and bacteria such as HIV, swine flu, smallpox, and E. coli, among other contagions.

The sculptures are alternative depictions of the deadly pathogens we've seen before. “In newspapers they seem to be brightly colored, toxic or very pretty. There’s an emotional content when you add color to them. This is why I made them three-dimensional versions of glass as a response to that,” Jerram said in a podcast with the Corning Museum of Glass.

Jerram's personal experience with swine flu fueled his motivation for the collection. His work is currently on display at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York, and the National Glass Center in the UK.

Check out the gallery below to see more of Jerram's stunning glass work.

Before You Go

Luke Jerram's 'Glass Microbiology' Collection

Luke Jerram's 'Glass Microbiology' Collection

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