On Wednesday, February 21, 2018 Chapman University’s Harry and Diane Rinker Health Science Campus in Irvine welcomed its first art exhibition. This exhibition, which merges visual art with microscopic cellular science, marks the first public exhibit for pathologist-turned-artist Dr. Mohammad Kamal, a.k.a. KIMʘ.

Dr. Mohommad Kamal (KIMʘ) poses at the opening reception.

Dr. Mohammad Kamal (KIMʘ) poses at the opening reception.

Essraa Nawar discusses the exhibition’s development and its student-centered mission.

The event began with an introduction by the Leatherby Libraries’ Dean Charlene Baldwin. Then, Coordinator of Library Development and Librarian, Essraa Nawar spoke about the exhibit, and welcomed Chloe Martin-King, a PhD student in Chapman’s Computational and Data Sciences program. Chloe’s presentation gave insight into computational pathology, which provided the scientific background to help understand KIMʘ’s cellular art.

Finally, Essraa introduced the artist himself, and the two engaged in a dialogue and Q&A about his career, both in science and in art. Dr. Kamal discussed his process, as well as some of the meanings behind his most notable works.

Essraa Nawar and Dr. Kamal discuss the art, his career, and his process.

Additionally, the conversation highlighted the exhibition’s unique interdisciplinary combination of STEM thinking and visual arts practices.

After a few final remarks by Dean Baldwin, guests were left to mingle and explore the exhibition.

The Leatherby Libraries would like to thank everyone who participated in this event and made this exhibition a success. Special thanks to the School of Pharmacy, Schmid College of Science and Technology, and Crean College of Health and Behavioral Sciences for co-sponsoring this exciting event. For more information about the artist and his work, visit www.artiscopic.com and view the exhibition catalog online.

The exhibition is on view until May 30, 2018. Mark your calendars for a special Gallery Walkthrough being held on Saturday, April 14, from 1 – 3 p.m.