The Art and Science of Herbarium Specimens

Herbaria, or historical collections of pressed and dried plant specimens, serve as physical records of how plants change over time. As the climate crisis continues, herbaria have become increasingly relevant to the study of plant responses to climate change and as documents of existing biodiversity. While the botanical value of herbarium specimens cannot be understated, they have a striking aesthetic quality. This exhibition is the result of ongoing conversations regarding the intersection of art and science, viewed through the lens of herbarium specimens. Throughout the process of selecting the material, scientists and artists alike joined us in this conversation, bringing their professional and personal perspectives. By presenting these images to the community, we hope to present to you some of the results of this exploration of herbarium specimens as both art and science.

Alison Carranza ‘22 & Garrett Goodrich ‘22