Novel Agents
Object NameMosaic Floor
Artist / Maker
Andrew Leicester
(British-American, b. 1948)
Date1991
OriginUSA
MediumCeramic tile mosaic floor
Dimensions132 x 264 in. (335.3 x 670.6 cm)
ClassificationsArchitecture, Architectural Ornamentation and Elements
Credit LineAn Iowa Art in State Buildings Project for the Molecular Biology Building. In the Art on Campus Collection, University Museums, Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa.
CopyrightUniversity Museums, Iowa State University prohibits the copying or reproduction in any medium of materials on this website with the following exceptions: Iowa State University students, faculty, and staff for educational use in formal instruction, papers, presentations and projects; limited non-commercial; and personal use that meets the criteria for fair use as defined in the U.S. copyright laws.
Images from the University Museums’ collection cannot be used for publication, apparel/non-apparel merchandise, digital or commercial purposes without prior written permission from the University Museums, Iowa State University. Fair use does not apply to the extent that a license agreement or other contract controls reproduction or other use. University Museums and Iowa State University makes no representation that it is the owner of the copyright of the art object depicted in the photo materials and assumes no responsibility for any claims by third parties arising out of use of the photo materials. Users must obtain all other permissions required for usage of the art object and the photo materials.
For more information, please see http://www.museums.iastate.edu/ImageReproduction.html
Object numberU91.78
Status
On viewLabel TextThe third mosaic floor in the G-Nome Project is located in the auditorium lobby. This work, titled Novel Agents, derives its imagery from the phylogenetic tree and the fruit tree of the Garden of Eden. The phylogenetic tree maps out the evolutionary development of all animals and plants. The two symbols at the base of the tree represent a scorpion and a tarantula. Combined with the snake wrapped around the tree trunk, these poisonous creatures represent the possible dangers of tasting the fruit from this genetic tree. Above the tree flies a "super-genetic" creature, the dragon.
The G-Nome Project fully integrates art and architecture into the Molecular Biology Building. Since the artist, Andrew Leicester, was selected at the start of the project, he was able to work with the architectural firm Hansen Lind Meyer, Inc. to incorporate the art into the building's design. As a result, Iowa State University has gained a striking example of the successful merging of art and architecture, as well as a building rich in meaning and function.
When Leicester was commissioned by Iowa State to create this public art, he began to research the kinds of activities that would take place there. He found information at conferences, by attending lectures, by reading books, and through conversation with scientists and students. He kept a sketchbook of ideas and drawings on the subject. It became clear to him that the most debated area of current investigation in the field of molecular biology was transgenetic animal research with both the academic community and the public expressing their opinions. Philosophers, sociologists, animal scientists, and economists were among the many who were discussing the potential legal and economic implications of genetic research.
Locations
- (not entered) Iowa State University, Molecular Biology, Atrium
Object Name: Conception is Capitalization, Mosaic Floor
Andrew Leicester
1991
Object number: U91.77
Object Name: Environmental Installation
Lita Albuquerque
1994
Object number: U94.66a-f
Object Name: Tiles on Fireplace
Moravian Pottery and Tile Works
1925
Object number: U88.76
Object Name: Site Integrated Installation
Carolyn Brown Braaksma
1999
Object number: U99.30
Object Name: Installation (Mural)
Michaela Mahady
2010
Object number: U2010.92