Einstein's Talent on Display
Novelist and playwright Lion Feuchtwanger once said, “A talented person is talented everywhere.” Einstein’s scientists are widely recognized for their excellence in research—but you might not have realized that some of your peers are also talented artists.
Medical student Aixin Chen with her abstract painting
On, Wednesday, January 17, students, faculty, staff and family members gathered in the Lubin Dining Hall to celebrate creativity, support one another and share their artistic endeavors during Art Night 2018.
Art Night is an annual event organized by Ad Libitum, a club that provides a platform for people to explore the interactions among art, medicine and science. It offers members of the Einstein community a unique opportunity to share their talents by exhibiting literary and visual artworks; this year, paintings, photographs and costumes were all on view, while writers shared their poetry, too. In one evening, the attendees got a taste of the vast artistic potential at Einstein—along with appetizers and live music.
“I enjoy running this event because it highlights the creative talents at Einstein,” said Basia Galinski, one of the organizers of Art Night. “It’s great to remind the community that even though we are focused on medicine and science, taking time to showcase our artistic talents also shows what a creative force we have at Einstein.”
Wide-Ranging Talents
Ab Libitum leadership Yves Juste and Basia Galinski welcome participants to Art & Literary NightPhotography is one of the most popular categories for submissions; the artists tell us stories and share their world through the camera lens. Pamela Stanley, a professor of cell biology, submitted two photographs this year. She believes that Art Night is a great celebration of the artistic side of those who labor at the frontiers of science.
“It’s one of my favorite events at Einstein. It’s wonderful to see and hear the imaginative and creative poems, music, photos and paintings of many at Einstein. It’s the one event that brings together the entire community.”
Eita Jam, a rock group composed of postdocs and staff members, provided an enjoyable musical background, demonstrating that Einstein scientists are as adept with guitars and drums as they are with pipettes and centrifuges. Levi Claire, a technician in the department of medicine, attended Art Night for the first time this year. He came to the event to support a friend, but then realized that other friends had works in the show as well.
“I believe that events like this are important because they enhance camaraderie,” said Mr. Claire.. “It’s awesome to see people from various professional and social communities come together to admire and appreciate the works of others!”
Family Ties
One of the distinctive features of Art Night is its inclusiveness. The exhibitors are not only Einstein staff members but also their family members. Mirna Militch, who is married to an Einstein postdoctoral fellow, is an artist who specializes in cubist and surrealist oil paintings. She has been contributing to Art Night since 2014.
“I’ve been witnessing steady growth in the diversity and the caliber of the artwork every year,” Ms. Militch said. “Art Night has been an excellent opportunity for me to show my paintings, meet fellow artists from Einstein and auction artwork to help enrich the art scene and foster budding talents in the Bronx.”
Paying It Forward
The evening included a silent auction, with all proceeds benefiting the nonprofit Bronx River Art Center. Fadi-Luc Jaber, a postdoc in Einstein’s Marion Bessin Liver Center, explained why it is important to support artists: “Every year I buy at least one poster at Art Night. There’s always a great selection of beautiful photographs from all over the world due to the diversity of people who work at Einstein. I’m also encouraged by the fact that all proceeds go to a good cause.”(Funds raised from the silent auction support youngsters in the Bronx who wish to take classes at the Bronx Arts Center, located in the West Farms neighborhood of the borough. This year, the auction raised $960; over the past five years, the event has raised $2,900 for the center.)
Submissions for the 2018 edition of Ad Libitum, the club’s annual magazine, recently closed, so watch for the publication in early Spring!
Posted on: Tuesday, August 14, 2018