BATON ROUGE, LA.- The Louisiana Art & Science Museum announces its latest fine art exhibition, Iridescence, open from July 17, 2021- July 31, 2022. The Louisiana Art & Science Museum has partnered with Dr. Nathan Lord, Assistant Professor in the Department of Entomology and Director of the Louisiana State Arthropod Museum, his students, and his colleagues from several departments at LSU, including the School of Textiles, Apparel Design, and Merchandising and the School of Art. The exhibition will explore natural and man-made iridescence, the different structures that must occur for the phenomenon to exist, and will feature STEAM-based educational content, virtual tours, and hands-on activities designed by staff and partners to explore the art and science that merge within iridescence.

Through works of art by Karl Gaff (Ireland), Ted Kinsman (New York), Christopher Marley (Oregon), Kate Nichols (California), Soo Sunny Park (New Hampshire), Jennifer Robison (Louisiana), and Franziska Schenk (England), along with partners from Louisiana State University, visitors will uncover the scientific principles within the rainbow-like, color-shifting phenomenon of iridescence.

“In the natural world, iridescence is found in soap bubbles, bird feathers, butterfly wings, gemstones, seashells, and fish and snake scales. In the human-centric world, color-shifting clothes, automotive paints, the newest cell phones, and even special-edition LSU football helmets are created with iridescent materials! It is so exciting for us to share this amazing exhibition, and we are so grateful for the beauty and knowledge imparted to us through the generosity of our donors, whose passion for the sciences and arts lights the way for the community.” stated Lexi Adams, Curator of the LASM.

Iridescence was created in partnership with Dr. Nathan Lord, whose National Science Foundation grant and generous support from the LSU AgCenter and Department of Entomology helped make this exhibition possible.

Iridescence is also supported by a grant from the Louisiana Division of the Arts, Office of Cultural Development, Department of Culture, Recreation, and Tourism, in cooperation with the Louisiana State Arts Council. Funding has also been provided by the National Endowment for the Arts. Additional funding has been provided by the Alma Lee, Norman and Cary Saurage Fund of the Baton Rouge Area Foundation, Entergy Louisiana. and the Olin Corporation.

Iridescence will be in the Main Gallery: Second Floor from July 17, 2021 until July 31, 2022.