By: Whitney de Valroger Managing Editor
Art and science are generally separate fields of intellect, but this month, their worlds collide. The Montgomery College Communication Arts Technologies gallery continues their year-long science-meets-art theme called Intersections with “Worlds Collide: The Art of Science Fiction,” an exhibit showcasing art in science fiction.
Passing individuals were treated to an intimate reception on October 5, 2011 in the CAT gallery, located in Room 106 on the lower level of the Rockville Technical Center. Besides the snacks and refreshments, visitors could feast their eyes on prints of science fiction pop art.
From the brilliant fantasy landscapes of Dinotopia to a unique artist rendition of the beloved protocol android C-3PO, the gallery is filled with high quality prints of science fiction art from professional artists. Each wall of the gallery contains a theme. One wall displays fantasy pieces, another space travel and another featuring aliens and monsters of the science fiction world. While all the walls display different subjects, all pieces show a small part of what science fiction is all about.
Each piece provides the viewer a unique glimpse into strange and exotic worlds. Worlds where dinosaurs and people coexist, and grotesque creatures terrorize and fascinate our imaginations. Many will recognize famous movie characters like Godzilla and Frankenstein, while hardcore science fiction buffs may recognize cover art to 1980’s novels such as Identity Plunderers and Wind from the Sun.
The brain behind this exhibit is Martha Vaughan, a professor in the Communication Arts Technologies department at MC-R. The idea came when a colleague suggested organizing a science fiction art show. The idea grew from there, and with the help of numerous artists, Vaughan assembled a collection of limited edition prints for the exhibit.
While some of the prints were donated via high resolution computer images and printed with the artist’s permission, others are limited edition, and had to be purchased. These limited edition prints are from a limited run, individually numbered, and can range from about $60 to $300.
The exhibit is open now until October 28 and opened to the public in the lower level of Technical Center building. The next exhibit to continue Intersections is “Experiments: Where Art Meets Science: The CAT Faculty and Staff Exhibition,” starting in November.