Art exhibition: Biological Hermeneutics at Chetham’s Library

An innovative exhibition which mixes the arts and the sciences is on now at Chetham’s Library. Titled ‘Biological HerAn innovative exhibition which mixes the arts and the sciences is on now at Chetham’s Library. Titled ‘Biological Hermeneutics,’ it is the brainchild of Sarah Craske, an artist who works across a number of disciplines. Hermeneutics is the study and interpretation of a book, and Craske has adapted this idea to include more than just the words on the pages. She is also interested in studying the microscopic biological life that is found within the book. Befitting the venue, she has used a classic text as the basis for this exhibition: a 300-year-old copy of Metamorphoses, by the Roman poet Ovid. Using several prints from the work, she discovered and made visible the microbial life that has silently accrued upon its pages over the centuries. There are also curated displays within Chetham’s collections and a laboratory workshop inviting visitors to immerse themselves in the world of the artist-scientist.

Until Sat 26 Aug, Chetham’s Library, Long Millgate, Manchester, M3 1SB, Tel: 0161 834 7961, 9.30am – 4.30pm (Mon-Fri), 11am-4pm (Sat), FREE, www.chethams.org.uk