Monica Garcia Gomez & Lisa Oskam

Waves Inside

Type
Computer simulation and video
Year
2022-2023

Inspiration and composition

Waves Inside  is a visually immersive computer simulation illustrating the transport of molecules and hormones within the petiole, the stalk connecting the leaf blade to the stem. Inspired by the enigmatic internal processes of plants, the project began with microscopy-derived images that were segmented into cellular structures using advanced modeling techniques. These models were then simulated to visualize the flow of substances across plant tissues, revealing the dynamics underlying growth and leaf positioning. The process required meticulous manual segmentation and attribute assignment to individual cells, followed by computational runs to capture the nuanced interplay of transport pathways.

Garcia Gomez and Oskam enhanced the simulation with gentle piano music to evoke a contemplative atmosphere, encouraging viewers to engage with the unseen complexity of plant biology. The resulting video reflects the duo’s commitment to making plant science accessible and inspiring through innovative visualizations.

Connection to Mysteries in Science

Waves Inside  bridges experimental observation and hypothesis, offering a glimpse into the mysteries of plant biology. By translating hidden cellular and molecular processes into a tangible and artistic format, the piece opens a "door into something that doesn’t have a door," as Garcia Gomez describes. This work addresses the broader phenomenon of "plant blindness"—the human tendency to underappreciate or pay less attention to plants despite their extreme ecological and scientific importance.

This collaboration highlights the potential of computational tools to enrich both scientific understanding and artistic expression. Garcia Gomez and Oskam hope that Waves Inside  not only demystifies the complex internal dynamics of plants but also challenges viewers to reflect on the interconnectedness of natural systems and to see the creativity that lies at the heart of scientific discovery.

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Lisa (left) and Monica (right)

About Monica Garcia Gomez & Lisa Oskam

The Artists

Mexico & The Netherlands

Monica L. Garcia Gomez and Lisa Oskam are a collaborative team united by their passion for uncovering the hidden intricacies of plant biology.

Garcia Gomez is assistant professor at Utrecht University combining research at the Theoretical Biology and Bioinformatics and the Experimental and Computational Plant Development groups. Specializing in computational modelling, she blends molecular biology, microscopy, and computational tools to study plant development. Her research focuses on understanding the multi-scale interactions that enable plants to adapt to their environments.

Oskam, a postdoctoral researcher at Wageningen University & Research and former Utrecht PhD candidate with Prof. Ronald Pierik, brings expertise in plant biophysics and a keen eye for visual storytelling through science. With a background in experimental plant biology, Oskam has transitioned into integrating computational approaches to bridge the gap between observation and hypothesis. Waves Inside  marks the duo’s first joint exploration of art and science, transforming their scientific findings into an engaging visual experience.