Guest curators Hannah Rogers and Worthy Martin will give a Lunchtime Talk on The Fralin Museum of Art at the University of Virginia’s exhibition, “Making Science Visible: The Photography of Berenice Abbott,” on Oct. 23 from noon to 1 p.m. 

This exhibition explores Abbott’s photography and its use in both scientific and artistic contexts. It features works from the museum’s collection, 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 (1898-1991) is best known for her “Changing New York” project for the Works Progress Administration, but by the early 1950s, she 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.

Rogers holds a Ph.D. in science and technology studies from Cornell University. She is a lecturer in the Department of Engineering and Society in U.Va.’s School of Engineering and Applied Science, where her research focuses on the intersections of art and science.

Martin received his Ph.D. in computer science from the University of Texas-Austin, and in 1986 joined the Engineering School’s Department of Computer Science, where he currently serves as associate chair. He is co-director of the Institute for Advanced Technology in the Humanities, which explores and develops information technology as a tool for scholarly humanities research.

The museum’s Lunchtime Talks 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.