Exploring Biophilia at HMNS

Buzz intern Bailey Maierson went to the Houston Museum of Natural Science to check out the special exhibition Biophilia, on display until Sept. 2.

A Dialogue with Art, Nature & Science:
When you step off the elevator, onto the 3rd floor and enter the exhibit, it’s pitch black. The only light you are receiving is from the illuminated shadow boxes on the walls. You first reach a wall that highlights the creator of the exhibit and the science behind his creation. 

Biophilia, which literally translates to “love of life,” illustrates nature’s connection to art and science. Christopher Marley, the man who designed the showcase, explains that visuals are crucial in today’s society because they draw people in to learn more about the natural world. The more mesmerizing something is, the more eager an individual is to learn about that thing. I, for one, was utterly captivated by every creature and object on the wall.

The huge, vibrant colored birds are the main attraction of the Critical Color area of the exhibit. (Photo: Bailey Maierson)

Critical Color:
Various creatures and objects, like amphibians, insects and seashells are featured in the boxes. This area of the exhibit is about how color inspires us and is a part of our everyday life; it is a critical component in art, science and the natural world. My eyes were immediately drawn to the huge, vibrant colored birds on the wall in the back of this section. The beautiful birds look like they are from Rio de Janeiro because they’re colored unlike any bird we’ve seen in Houston. 

Sophistry Stutters:
This small section of the exhibit includes many types of snakes on the walls. The snakes are supposed to demonstrate elements like symmetry, color, texture and proportion. At first glance, the snakes all appear to be the same species because they’re all placed in the same position. However, some are larger than others, some have a white and red pattern, and some look smooth while others have more rugged features. The snakes, each unique in their own way, exhibit the elements Marley intended.

The wall covered in yellow organisms is part of the unity display. (Photo: Bailey Maierson)

Nature’s Narrative - Unity:
In this area, I was entranced by the wall covered in yellow. Objects and creatures from an intense neon yellow to a dull mustard color filled the shadow boxes. I read: “Unity is the backbone of biophilia theory” on the wall. This idea made perfect sense to me because all of the yellow butterflies were grouped together and similar-looking shells were grouped together. I realized that each organism had stuck with their own respective kind. After intently studying the sea of yellow on the wall, I turned around and saw a number of amazing fish forming a perfect circle. With the unity mantra in mind, I thought that the circle illustrated the group of fish traveling together as one powerful, compact unit despite being of all different shapes, colors and sizes. 

A sea of colorful fish create a circle representing an important concept of Biophilia: unity.  (Photo: Bailey Maierson)

The maze-like design of this exhibit was certainly enjoyable since I didn’t want the exhibit to end. From beginning to end I was fascinated by each section, each wall and each organism. The other sections of the exhibit you can explore include size, cryptic color, biodiversity and order. If you wish to visit Biophilia, it’s included with admission to the permanent exhibit hall. 

The exhibit is open until 6 p.m. each day, except Thursdays when the museum closes at 9 p.m. Visit the Biophilia page here.

Editor's Note: Houston Museum of Natural Science offers free admission on Thursdays. See a list of free days at museums around Houston here.