Mosesian Center for the Arts – Boston/Strasbourg Sister City Association On-line Auction
Auction Ends: Oct 26, 2020 10:00 PM EDT

Art

Michelle Samour - Coffee 1

Item Number
2
Estimated Value
Priceless
Sold
200 USD to ec96a5453
Number of Bids
1  -  Bid History

Item Description

ARTIST:        Michelle Samour
TITLE:           Coffee 1
MEDIUM:      Gouache on handmade paper, 16” x 20”, unframed

 

This original artwork was created for Art on Science: 26 études an internattional portfolio featuring pictures by artists and words by scientists. This written commentary is by Colin Orians from the Biology & Environmental Studies Department of Tufts University:
 
I am a global change biologist who studies the impacts of pests and climate on plants and people.

I am studying the resilience of coffee plants and coffee farmers to global change. In many respects, the lives of farmers are being turned upside down by the threats to their coffee. Outbreaks in coffee rust (a fungal disease), increasing damage by the coffee berry borer, and drops in global prices are threatening the ability of farmers to adapt to ever changing conditions. Michelle Samour has simultaneously captured the beauty of coffee and the dangers posed by global change. The coffee plant is painted upside down, its leaves are covered in the golden hue of rust, coffee berry borers are emerging from the berries and spreading out, and    the roots are unusually short. She has beautifully captured coffee under stress.
 
Michelle Samour and I met several times and exchanged numerous emails. It has been a rich experience Both begin with observation, and from these observations we look for patterns to guide our work (research, data collection and communication). My observations and reading help me generate new hypotheses that can then be precisely tested and later communicated. I imagine an artist uses available information to explore new ways to create and communicate the essence. Both require creativity and imagination. I imagine that we both find ourselves exploring new ways to capture a pattern, to convey our understanding, to generate new knowledge, to instill a sense of wonder, and to inspire others.

Item Special Note

Free domestic shipping.

All artworks are 16” x 20”, unframed and will be shipped with a printed copy of the scientist’s text.

For further information about the portfolio, please visit our Art on Science: 26 études website: http://AS26project.com