A Collaboration of Science and Art Results in New Piece of Graphene Artwork

Prospect Planes—a video artwork using graphene by Nobel laureate Sir Kostya Novoselov and artist Mary Griffiths has been developed after months of scientific and artistic research and experimentation.

Prospect Planes will be launched on August 17^th as part of The Hexagon Experiment series of events at the Great Exhibition of the North in collaboration with the National Graphene Institute and Brighter Sound.

The captivating video art project aims to provide insight into graphene’s unique qualities and potential.

Providing an intriguing insight into scientific research of graphene, Prospect Planes started with a graphite drawing by Griffiths, representing the chemical element carbon.

This was duplicated in graphene by Sir Kostya Novoselov, forming a microscopic 2D graphene version of Griffiths’ drawing merely one atom thick and invisible to the naked eye.

They then used Raman spectroscopy to record a molecular fingerprint of the graphene image, using that fingerprint to map a digital visual illustration of graphene’s exceptional qualities.

The six-part Hexagon Experiment series was enthused by the creativity of the Friday evening sessions that resulted in the isolation of graphene at The University of Manchester by Novoselov and Sir Andre Geim.

Mary Griffiths, has formerly worked on other graphene artworks including From Seathwaite—an installation in the National Graphene Institute, which portrays the story of graphite and graphene—its geology, geography, and development in the North West of England.

Having previously worked alongside Kostya on other projects, I was aware of his passion for art. This has been a tremendously exciting and rewarding project, which will help people to better understand the unique qualities of graphene, while bringing Manchester’s passion for collaboration and creativity across the arts, industry and science to life. In many ways, the story of the scientific research which led to the creation of Prospect Planes is as exciting as the artwork itself. By taking my pencil drawing and patterning it in 2D with a single layer of graphene atoms, then creating an animated digital work of art from the graphene data, we hope to provoke further conversations about the nature of the first 2D material and the potential benefits and purposes of graphene.

Mary Griffiths, Senior Curator, The Whitworth

Sir Kostya Novoselov said: “In this particular collaboration with Mary, we merged two existing concepts to develop a new platform, which can result in multiple art projects. I really hope that we will continue working together to develop this platform even further.”

The Hexagon Experiment is happening just a few months prior to the official unveiling of the £60 million Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre, part of a huge investment in 2D materials infrastructure across Manchester, reinforcing its status as Graphene City.

Manchester-based creative music charity Brighter Sound commissioned Prospect Planes.

The Hexagon Experiment is part of Both Sides Now—a three-year initiative to support, inspire, and showcase women in music across the North of England, aided via Arts Council England’s Ambition for Excellence fund.