Art meets science: Christopher Vidal’s landscape paintings are a far remove from his research into the genetics of osteoporosis. Picture: Mike Szabath
A Baulkham Hills bone researcher will be among the hundreds of contemporary artists exhibiting work at the ninth annual Florence Biennale in Italy.
Talk about serendipity.
The focus of this biennale is, according to the promotional material, “to scan the genetic code of art, decoding one of its fundamental strands: ethics”.
‘‘What we have been trying to do is work out how stem cells turn into bone and fat cells and how to reverse this process and prevent fractures in the aged,’’ Mr Vidal said of his research which has been put on hold due to funding, giving him time to turn his hand to his other love: art.
‘‘Until now art was my hobby so I was surprised when I was accepted into the Biennale.’’
He had only been marketing himself as an artist for a few months when he got the news.
‘‘I will be taking three landscape paintings to Italy,’’ he said.
Even though he has retired his microscope and lab coat, the scientist in him still finds its way into the art studio.
‘‘I write down my colours,’’ he said.
The self-taught artist is also teaching himself how to make frames.
■ The Florence Biennale 2013 will be hosted at the historic Fortezza da Basso, in the city centre, from November 30 to December 8. If you can help Mr Vidal get there, call him on 0451 140 695.