Quick Facts
Biography
Laura Splan is a New York based visual artist. She is trained as an artist and as a biologist.
Work
Splan's work explores the correlation between art, science technology and the traditional and experimental crafts. A primary influence is microbiological and medical imaging. She has created innovative works in lace referencing viruses and microbes. The lace Doilies are embroidered in radial virus patterns that visualize the HIV, SARS, Influenza and other virus structures. Splan has created watercolors using her own blood as a medium rather than paint. Splan uses the foil of familiar domestic artifacts and decorative textiles to convey meaning about the visceral body, biohazards and epidemics. Because her work often addresses pathogens and disease it has been described as beautiful and horrible. Splan describes her artistic goals are to inspire "beauty and horror, comfort and discomfort.
Exhibitions
Splan has exhibited her work in museums throughout the U.S. and internationally in France, Sweden, South Korea, Iceland, England, Germany among others. Her work has been shown at the Museum of Art and Design in New York City, and the Museum of Contemporary Craft.