Slides 1, 2017

by Barbara White

Slides 1 by Barbara White, is an artwork made from contemporary materials, which invites the viewer to consider the dynamic relationship between the aesthetic of the artwork and the concept behind it.

About the artwork

This visually pleasing artwork is made of acetate versions of ‘slides’ which bear photocopies of antique and vintage glass microscope slides. Each piece of acetate is carefully mounted on a panel of rusted mild steel mesh, of the type often used to reinforce concrete.

The images on the slides include copies of human tissue samples, diseases and plant samples, displayed in a way to draw the viewer in to this fascinating and often disturbing world. There is a kinetic nature to the work as the slides flutter slightly in any air movement around them.

The work was acquired by the University to mark the graduation of the first cohort of students graduating from the University's Medical School in 2018.

About the Artist

Barbara White was trained as a professional cartographer. She later gained success in writing and illustrating non-fiction books and painting in acrylics and watercolour. She studied Fine art at Plymouth University as a mature student, graduating in 2012. During her studies, she became interested in 3D mediums as an expression of her creative ideas as well as using art to convey her concerns about social issues . She says,

Barbara’s practice has continued to focus on 3D works, particularly throwing and hand-building ceramics and experimenting with processes such as raku firing and creating assemblies of ceramic works.

Acknowledgements

Many thanks to Barbara White for providing the biographical information in this article.