Symbiosis: When Art Meets Science

On November 7th, we had the honor of attending the opening of the SYMBIOSIS exhibition, an exceptional project by artist Pascale Gadon-González, organized by the Cultural Center of Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier University. This exhibition, the result of a close collaboration between the artist and CMEAB (Center for Applied Electron Microscopy in Biology), explores the intersection of art and science, offering a fascinating journey into the world of lichens—hybrid organisms that symbolize symbiosis.

Among the distinguished guests, Nathalie Sejalon-Delmas, Associate Professor at Toulouse III – Paul Sabatier University, enriched the event with her scientific expertise, emphasizing the importance of dialogue between art and science.

This was a wonderful opportunity to discover how these two disciplines can intertwine, bringing to life a fresh perspective on the living world, where microorganisms reveal their poetry, complexity, and crucial role in ecosystems.

Why Lichens?

Through this exhibition, Pascale Gadon-González answers several questions about her work and her choice to focus on lichens as a central theme:

Why lichens?
For her, lichens symbolize symbiosis in its purest form. These organisms, created through the association of fungi with algae or cyanobacteria, are a source of inspiration that highlights the richness and complexity of biological diversity.

What role does TEM play in her creative process?
Transmission Electron Microscopy enables Pascale to capture details invisible to the naked eye. This technology reveals the internal structures of lichens—what she describes as “images of contact, connection, and arrangement”—transforming biological complexity into works of art.

How does the equipment impact the exhibition?
The Hitachi HT7700 microscope, in particular, played a key role in producing these precise and striking images. This tool allowed the artist to achieve unparalleled detail, ideal for visually portraying the symbiotic interactions within lichens.