The Unseen Aesthetic of Microscopic Marvels

Written By Naoko Otsuka, Ecological Artist

“Visualization works from a human perspective because we respond to and process visual data better than any other type of data. In fact, the human brain processes images 60,000 times faster than text, and 90 percent of information transmitted to the brain is visual. Since we are visual by nature, we can use this skill to enhance data processing and organizational effectiveness.” (Thermopylae Sciences + Technology 2014)8

These compelling statistics are the foundational pillars for developing visual teaching materials in my Environmental Education Through Art initiative. These research studies suggest that artworks with certain conditions have great potential for neuroscientific memory-enhancing visualization mechanisms.

While preparing visual teaching materials to observe Prorocentrum sp (Dinophyceae) for our outreach program Islands4Kids,org, we accidentally knocked the microscope, resulting in one of the Prorocentrum (size: 20µm x 60µm) on the glass seemingly diving into the immersion oil. This gave us a surprisingly dynamic image.

Naoko Otsuka, Ecological Artist

As an ecological artist, Naoko Otsuka wishes to inspire children and young adults worldwide to learn about the current situation of the ocean ecosystem through artwork that communicates clearly.

The mission of Naoko-Art is to educate the public about the reality of the marine environment by utilizing a high volume of visual resources. For people of all ages, visually input memory is proven in neuroscience that messages are swifter and stay longer than written language.

https://www.naoko-art.com/
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