The human race is often thought as being superior to other forms of life. However, is this really the case when we depend so much on these other forms of life that surround us? All living creatures are connected through Mother Nature as the survival of one dictates the survival of the other. And what is the root to their survival and our survival? Chemistry.

The most fundament and abstract idea in our world is that matter is made of atoms. This is in fact the first big idea communicated by Atkins. In my artwork this idea was portrayed through the atomic representation of chlorophyll, glucose as well as within the molecules on the women’s face. Without atoms there could be no bonds formed to create molecules and therefore, there would be no plants, us or life for that matter.

The photosynthesis process is often taken for granted when in reality it is the one of the most fundamental reaction on our planet. Through this reaction carbon dioxide and water react through energy provided by the sun, emitted by electromagnetic waves. This energy is captured by the chlorophyll, found in the chloroplasts¹ of the cell’s plant, and this is what allows for energy to be absorbed, from the sunlight, in order to break the bonds of carbon dioxide and water allowing for in the end a release energy to form chemical bonds, producing the products oxygen and glucose. Through the illustration of glucose and chlorophyll, two major counterparts in photosynthesis, Atkins’s third big idea referring to the importance of chemical bonding was represented. The fifth big idea, pertaining to the existence of residual forces between molecules, was also shown through the illustration of water molecules exhibiting hydrogen bonding, a very strong type of residual force experienced between molecules.

Let’s think about the Venus flytrap for a minute, even though it is not represented in my artwork its connection to shape allows to set forth a point. In flowers, the shape plays a vital role in their survival as well as the role they will fulfill. A Venus flytrap is shaped like a claw, this allows it to eat insects. Mother Nature designed it this way for a reason and for it to fulfill a specific purpose. This same idea applies at the atomic level where the shape of the molecule often dictates the role and characteristics that molecule it will display. This is in fact Atkins’s fourth idea and through my art work it was illustrated by the molecules drawn on the women’s face. These are not just molecules but are in fact proteins, such as collagen. Proteins are formed from chains of amino acids and depending on the molecular shape of the protein, determined by the bonding of amino acid, this will dictate the role the protein will play in the body². The illustration of proteins in my artwork were used to symbolise and represents the importance of molecular shape. Take for example collagen, one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, due it its shape, it fulfills very important roles of strengthening, waterproofing, and providing elasticity to the skin3³. More importantly, which what most women care about, it is when a loss collagen is experienced that the dreaded wrinkle is the result.

The contrast in colours in my art work play a vital role in the overall atmosphere of the artwork, thus allowing for a dramatic affect as well as a contrast between the elements. My art work revolves entirely around the idea that we are all connected and is further shown by the close nature of all the elements in the painting which are all touching and merging together in unison. When it comes down to it we are all a bunch of atoms bonded together to form molecules and aren’t as different as we are made out to be.

References

http://www.nature.com/horizon/proteinfolding/background/importance.html

http://chemistry.about.com/od/polymers/a/Collagen.htm

http://www.biology4kids.com/files/plants_photosynthesis.html