Photo by Gregory Tobias View a slide show

Molecules That Matter showcased 10 organic molecules that profoundly altered our world: aspirin, isooctane, penicillin, polyethylene, nylon, DNA, progestin, DDT, Prozac, and buckminsterfullerene. The exhibit connected each molecule to one decade of the 20th century.

Using large-scale models, contemporary art, and a range of historical objects and documents, Molecules That Matter aimed to stimulate our awareness of the impact molecular science has on us all, individually and as a society. Each molecule was explored with an evocative array of related cultural artifacts and artworks, while three scientifically accurate models of the chemical structures—at 2.5 billion times actual size—were suspended from the gallery’s ceiling.

Work by the following artists was included in the exhibit: Susie Brandt, Chrissy Conant, Bryan Crockett, Robert Dawson, Melissa Gwyn, Frank Moore, Michael Oatman, Roxy Paine, Dan Peterman, Edward Ruscha, and Fred Tomaselli.

Molecules That Matter was organized in partnership with the Frances Young Tang Teaching Museum and Art Gallery at Skidmore College. A board of 10 chemists from higher education, industry, and CHF selected the molecules, with a final review by two Nobel laureates in chemistry.

Molecules That Matter lecture series
In conjunction with this exhibit, CHF hosted a series of five lectures throughout fall 2008. Five speakers—all leaders in their fields—addressed the science in everyday experiences and the promise and peril of discovery and innovation.