Tyler Thrasher, known on Instagram as @Tylerthrasherart, aptly embraces the title of “mad scientist artist.” Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, he is a self-taught chemist and botanist with a BFA in computer animation and art history. His formative years spent in greenhouses cultivated a profound appreciation for nature, which continues to inform his groundbreaking artistic endeavors.
During his college years, Thrasher immersed himself in cave exploration, an experience that inspired him to synthesize crystals onto preserved insects and organic materials such as skulls. This distinctive fusion of art and science rapidly evolved into a full-time vocation, deepening his fascination with the natural world and the processes of experimentation.
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In his latest publication, “The Universe in 100 Colors: Weird and Wondrous Colors From Science and Nature,” released by Sasquatch Books, Thrasher invites readers to embark on an illuminating journey through the vast spectrum of color, encompassing both natural and synthetic phenomena.
Each of the 100 chapters presents a unique color, exploring its origins, cultural significance, and scientific properties. This work transcends mere visual appreciation, illuminating the profound impact color has on our perception and understanding of reality.
Thrasher posits that color functions as a universal language, bridging cultural and scientific divides. He examines how the physical structures of surfaces, such as opal or the iridescent wings of the blue morpho butterfly, produce stunning visual effects that challenge our conventional understanding of perception.
Intriguingly, much of the universe’s color exists beyond the limits of human visual perception. Thrasher highlights that our interpretation of color is a cognitive construct, guiding us through a complex world.
His work also critiques the intentional severing of our connection to nature over time, encouraging readers to reconnect with ancient cultures through the historical and cultural contexts of various shades, such as the enigmatic blue of lapis lazuli or the striking yet toxic allure of orpiment.
Thrasher’s artistry epitomizes the intersection of art and science, rendering complex concepts accessible and engaging. His capacity to articulate the science of color and its artistic implications transforms casual discussions into profound explorations of nature’s intricacies.
Through his unique perspective, Tyler Thrasher not only captures the beauty of color but also invites us to reconsider our relationship with the natural world.
