Molecules That Matter

September 25 - December 13, 2009


An exhibition exploring 10 carbon-based molecules that revolutionized the 20th century: aspirin, isooctane, penicillin, polyethylene, nylon, DNA, progestin, DDT, prozac, and the buckminsterfullerene/nanotube. This innovative exhibition, curated at Skidmore College by Raymond J. Giguere, 1962 Term Professor of Chemistry, and John S. Weber, Dayton Director, Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery, combines molecular models, works of art, and cultural artifacts into a dynamic and intriguing investigation of all the ways molecular discoveries affect our lives. We are presenting the exhibition at the Faulconer Gallery as part of our 10th Anniversary celebration with a wide range of special events highlighting art and interdisciplinarity.

Among the artists included are Susie Brandt, Tony Cragg, Bryan Crockett, Kara Daving, Robert Dawson, Melissa Gwynn, Michael Oatman, Roxy Paine, Alexis Rockman, Dan Peterman, Ed Ruscha, and Jean Shin.

Organized by the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York and the Chemical Heritage Foundation, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Melissa Gwyn, DDT, 2007, oil on wood panel, 36 x 24 x 2 inches. Courtesy of the artist.
Buckyball model as installed in Molecules That Matter at the Tang Museum.
Bryan Crockett, Anger, Gluttony, Sloth (clockwise from top), from the Seven Deadly Sins series, 2001, cultured marble, sizes vary. Courtesy of the Joy of Giving Something, Inc., New York City.
Tony Cragg, New Figuration, 1985, plastic wall construction, 113 x 54 inches, Collection Speed Art Museum.
Photos: Art Evans, courtesy of The Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College.