Stephen Margulies will give a Lunchtime Talk on The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia’s new exhibition, “Making Science Visible: The Photography of Berenice Abbott” on Nov. 13, from noon to 1 p.m. 

This exhibition explores the photography of Abbott (1898-1991) and its use in both scientific and artistic contexts. It features works from The Fralin Museum of Art’s collection of Abbott’s original photographs, including images reproduced in science texts, and investigates the impact of her work not only in art, but also in science, documentaries and the history of science education.

Abbott is best known for her “Changing New York” project for the Works Progress Administration. But by the early 1950s, Abbott was experimenting with photographs of scientific subjects. She produced images of a variety of objects, from magnets and mirrors to insects and roots, which were included in scientific textbooks. Her images represent an unexpected melding of science and art, which produces an aesthetic that compels the viewer while also conveying scientific ideas.

The exhibition was co-curated by two members of the faculty of U.Va.’s School of Engineering and Applied Science: Hannah Rogers, a lecturer in science and technology studies, and Worthy Martin, associate professor of computer science. It will be on view through Dec. 16.

Margulies is an alumnus of both Johns Hopkins University and U.Va. He is a published poet, essayist and scholar, and was a curator of works on paper at the museum for more than 20 years. In his talk, Margulies will discuss the scope of Abbott’s photographic career and her landmark works depicting the principles of physics.

The museum’s Lunchtime Talks are usually held on the second Tuesday of each month from noon to 1 p.m. These lectures offer the opportunity to join curators and faculty as they explore topics related to museum collections and exhibitions.

Lunchtime Talks are free and open to the public. For information, call 434-243-2050 or e-mail museumoutreach@virginia.edu. The museum is located at 155 Rugby Road, one block from the Rotunda.