Tag Archives: Representation

An Enchanting Artistic Representation of Marine Life Through the Ages

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Strawberry squid, color lithograph

Smithsonian Library, Washington, DC

The world’s oceans, covering one-tenth of Earth’s surface, are the cradle of life, showcasing an astonishing variety of creatures with diverse shapes, colors, and evolutionary traits.

‘Pilchard (Argentina Carolina)’, hand-colored engraving from Mark Catesby

National Agricultural Library, Beltsville, Maryland

Marine biologist Helen Scale’s latest book, Ocean Art: From the Coast to the Deep, takes readers through 140 stunning photographs and illustrations of underwater vistas and their diverse inhabitants.

Yashima Gakutei, three crabs on the edge of the water

The Met Museum

The realm of art mirrors the diversity of marine life, and Scale expertly intertwines insights about artists with the wonders of oceanic life, blending marine biology with art history.

Cyphonophore (Forscaliatrod), illustration

Library, Woods Hole, MA

“It’s captivating to view the ocean through the perspectives of artists and craftsmen,” Scale noted. “They brilliantly convey the essence of life beneath the surface.”

Mycenaean stirrup vessel featuring an octopus, circa 1200 to 1100 BC

The Met Museum

Throughout history, culture has shown a deep fascination with marine life. The featured artworks include a lithograph of the Strawberry squid (Histioteuthis heteroopsis) from 1851, Catesby’s hand-colored sculpture of the Pilchard (Argentine Carolina) from 1743, a 1830 woodblock print from Japan showing crabs, an 1888 illustration of a siphonophore (Forskalia tholoides), and a Mycenaean jar illustrating an octopus from around 1200 to 1100 BC. Additional ceramic artifacts include lobster-shaped containers from Peru and crabs depicted in Nazca ceramic bowls from the 2nd to 4th centuries.

L: (Peru) “Lobster-shaped Stirrup Vessel”, R: Crab Ceramic Bowl

Left; Walters Art Museum. Right; The Met Museum

Ocean Art is scheduled for release in the UK on August 1st and in the US on September 26th.

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Source: www.newscientist.com

Employees claim Trump’s Day policy is already jeopardizing the limited representation of women and minorities in STEM.

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President Donald Trump’s recent order has classified diversity, fairness, and inclusion programs as “discriminatory,” causing concern among women working in federal government-related roles. They believe his directive is aimed at promoting a specific agenda rather than fostering a diverse workforce.

Women in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) who are employed by the federal government are worried about their future prospects. They fear potential restrictions on STEM career opportunities and feel unwelcome under the current administration.

One female Hispanic STEM worker in a federal organization expressed her concerns anonymously, highlighting the lack of diversity in STEM-related roles and the potential impact of the administration’s policies.

The Trump administration has not yet responded to requests for comments on the issue. However, previous statements from the White House press director emphasized the administration’s focus on merit-based hiring.

The STEM field has long faced criticism for its lack of diversity, with women being underrepresented in these roles. Data from the National Science Engineering Statistics Center shows that women account for more than half of the US population but only one-third of STEM jobs in 2021.

Minority groups, including black and Hispanic workers, also face challenges in advancing their STEM careers. Research from the USDA Forest Bureau in 2023 revealed disparities in the progress and retention of non-white women and men in STEM roles.

“Scientific perfection requires diversity. So it’s important for science.”

A colored federal worker said in the STEM field.

Many federal employees, particularly those from minority backgrounds, believe that diversity is essential for scientific progress. They stress the importance of including diverse perspectives in research teams to improve outcomes.

A biologist working in the federal government shared her experience of benefiting from diversity recruitment programs early in her career. She emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for underrepresented groups to access STEM positions.

The potential sunset of diversity, fairness, and inclusion programs could hinder the recruitment and retention of women and minorities in STEM roles. These programs have historically provided support and guidance to these groups in navigating workplace dynamics and fostering a sense of belonging.

“Having support groups and programs tailored to women and minorities in STEM fields is crucial for creating an inclusive and productive work environment,” one Hispanic federal worker stated.

Source: www.nbcnews.com