Artist Emily Mulvaney has opened her debut solo exhibition, "Preservation of Bodies," at Off-Site Art Space, exploring themes of preservation and degradation through a blend of art and science. The show features bioplastics, mold, vacuum-sealed bags, and synthetic organ-like forms, drawing on historical scientific research from the Kenneth Spencer Research Library and the Linda Hall Library. Mulvaney, who was the Lance Williams Art and Science Artist-in-Residence at the University of Kansas, uses materials like bioplastics to address ethical and environmental concerns, collaborating with PhD student Eryk Yarkosky on bacterial communication pieces.
The exhibition matters because it bridges the often-inaccessible fields of art and science, adding a humanistic, absurd, and humorous element to macabre subject matter. Mulvaney's work raises questions about whether preserved elements can truly represent a whole object or moment, and her use of biodegradable materials reflects a growing shift among artists toward sustainable practices. The show also engages viewers with its grotesque yet compelling aesthetic, prompting reactions that blur the line between repulsion and curiosity.