3' x 4' Acrylic on Canvas "Frederick A Murphy, Protecting Humanity " 

© Nova Starling 2006

Frederick A Murphy 

"Protecting Humanity"

Artist's Comment

I saw Fred's life and work, much of which made use of the electron microscope, as a view of the microcosm within the macrocosm.

Again, in keeping with the exhibit's theme I use the universe as the metaphor for the unlimited potential of the human spirit. I placed Fred's figure in the Bug Nebula. Bug is a synonym for microorganism in germ language. Within the gasses of the nebula I work patterns of the various manifestations of the Ebola virus. He cradles the window of the electron microscope in his hands.

Credits

The painting's background was inspired by a photograph on the Hubblesite of the Bug Nebula.

Facts

The Bug Nebula, NGC 6302, also called the Butterfly Nebula, is a bipolar planetary nebula in the constellation Scorpius. It is one of the brightest and most extreme planetary nebulae known. The fiery, dying star at its center is shrouded by a blanket of icy hailstones.

Take a closer look

Click on the Magnifying Glass