Anzhelika Vasina
Biomimetics

Biomimetics reproduces the optical effect of the structural colouration of the wing of a Morpho butterfly using coloured laser marking on metal. The blue colour and metallic sheen are not produced with pigments, but though the diffraction or interference of light within an ultrathin oxide film on the surface of steel. A circle made up of fragments of titanium is placed at an angle, while the exposed wire supports emphasize the technological nature of the object and its links to laboratory aesthetics.

This exhibit visualizes unseen physical processes underlying natural and engineered systems. The flutter of a wing and a laser pulse are both swift and elusive, but they trigger the emergence of colour. The key feature here is the angular dependence, meaning that the images only appear when viewed at a specific angle, encouraging the viewer to move their head in search for the right viewpoint. This is similar to how a Morpho butterfly disappears into the foliage and then emerges in a bright flash.

The project explores biomimetics—the imitation of natural processes in technology. An insect’s wing, metal, an electronic microscope, and laser marking all become part of a single optical system. The installation aims to remind us that the miracle of physics does not lie in abstract formula, but in everyday lighting. All it takes is to slow down and change the position of your body to reveal a layer of phenomena hidden on an ordinary surface.

*Author: graduate from the master’s programme in Laser Technologies at ITMO’s Institute for Laser Technologies. She is defending her thesis in the form of an art project.