Morehead State University student Josiah Kilburn, a senior biology major from Castle Rock, Colorado, is debuting an ant-themed art exhibition titled “Myrmecoportraiture: Experience the Enchanting World of Ants” at the Golding-Yang Art Gallery. Running from October 6–30, the show combines macro photography, live ant colonies, preserved specimens, and interactive sensory displays—including the distinct smells of ant species—to immerse visitors in the hidden world of ants. Kilburn developed the project through a blend of his biology studies and photography coursework, with mentorship from Associate Professor Dr. Robyn Moore.
The exhibition matters because it exemplifies a growing trend of interdisciplinary work that bridges art and science, offering a model for how visual art can make scientific subjects accessible and emotionally resonant. By engaging all five senses and presenting ants as both subjects of study and aesthetic inspiration, Kilburn challenges traditional boundaries between artistic expression and biological research. The show also highlights the role of university galleries in fostering student innovation and public engagement with the natural world.