Finding the hidden beauty in maggots

One of the featured photos at a new exhibition in Wollongong. Researchers from Wollongong University from the point of view of a Lizard. The camera was set up in the hole to gauge the amount of light entering a lizard’s home.

SCIENCE and art have come together in two exhibitions put on by the University of Wollongong this week.

The official opening of the Antarctic Photos Exhibition and the Institute for Conservation Biology and Law Photography and Exhibition will be on Friday night, but the photos have been available for public viewing since Wednesday.

The Institute for Conservation Biology and Law is made up of Academics from the School of Biological Sciences and the Faculty of Law who combine their skills in collaboration with National Parks and other agencies that do conservation work.

Acting as aid conservationists through their research the group try to make sure the laws and policies that get made in concern to the environment are using the best information available.

The Institute’s photography exhibition showcases pictures taken by institute members while working on various projects throughout the last two years.

“Last year we had a photography competition in which members could put in photo,” Institute director Sharon Robinson said.

“We thought it would be nice for people to come in and have a look at them.

“What we’re trying to do is get people to realise the scope of what we do at the university and we’re hoping to get some school kids along and enthuse them into doing science “It is nice to have an exhibition like this because even though we’re not claiming to be the worlds greatest artists there are some interesting things here.

“People enjoyed actually getting the chance to show the photos and people have enjoyed seeing what other people are doing and other peoples views of things.

“There are a few images in here that people say ‘ooh it’s beautiful’ and then they find out its maggot skin or something.

“There’s beauty in strange things.

“There is one picture of maggot skin and then there’s a few in my exhibition of dead things.

“There’s a dead seal. Some of them are slightly sinister.”

Ms Roberts is the photographer behind the second exhibition also on show at Project Contemporary Artspace Wollongong, which consists of photos taken during the course of her research in Antarctica.

“I think there are lots of people who are interested in the environment generally, but these are views you might only get if you are out there looking for hours and hours at lizards or something. “They offer a different perspective.”