For the past six months, artist and sculptor, Alice Cunningham has been working as an artist-in-residence as part of the School’s EarthArt programme which encourages local artists to work with members academics on an art-science collaborative project.

Alice is a visual artist with a diverse practice and the ability to sensitively work in many mediums. She is equally passionate about concept and materiality in her work.

During her time here, she has met with scientists from across the School of Earth Sciences, looking at different aspects of climate change.

These meetings and the ideas discussed, generated drawings and photographic studies which led to Alice making sculptures using rocks from the University’s extensive archive collection.

Alice said: “Having met with a range of scientists from across the school who are all looking into the many varied effects and consequences of climate change, I was given access to the Earth Sciences archive which allowed me to create a new series of sculptural works.

“The artworks explore notions of unprecedented rates of change, unstable objects tipping points and the study of fractures and lines on a surface to impart information.”

Alice hopes the exhibition will open up dialogue with new audiences, provoke discussion, celebrate scientists’ research and provide a fresh, external, artistic and accessible perspective on the science behind climate change and the issues that arise therefrom.

Professor Jon Blundy, Professorial Research Fellow in Petrology and interim Head of School of Earth Sciences, said: “Artists have long found inspiration in the natural world around them. The EarthArt programme draws upon this long tradition by bringing together scientists and artists to investigate contemporary themes in the earth and environmental sciences.”

The gallery, on the ground floor of the Wills Memorial Building, is open every Wednesday – 2pm-5pm. Entry is free.