Whether they were creating inflatable pillow-like structures or burying the front ends of cars in the ground to form Cadillac Ranch (right), the members of Ant Farm pushed the boundaries of installation art. With a sharp eye, the art and architecture collective—founded in San Francisco during the late 1960s—criticized consumerism while experimenting with video, design and performance art. The ICA pays them homage in the only East Coast showing of “Ant Farm: 1968-1978,” a photographic, videotaped and published record of their work that runs through Dec. 12. Also on display is work by Pepón Osorio, based on his three-year artist’s residence at the Philadelphia Department of Human Services; “Exhibiting Mediality,” a reconstruction of a work by late 1960s Argentinean artist David Lamelas; and a large wall work by post-Surrealist Amy Sillman. — H.A.D.
ON THE FARM: The ICA kicks off the fall season with four new exhibits. Walkthrough for members Sept. 10 from 5 to 6 p.m.; free reception open to the public from 6 to 8 p.m. Otherwise, $3 adults, $2 children/artists/senior citizens, free with PennCard. Institute of Contemporary Arts, 118, S. 36th St. Info: 215-898-7108 or http://www.icaphila.org.
On the move: Water quality and antimicrobial resistance testing goes mobile
Penn researchers have developed a mobile field laboratory allowing them to test water quality and track antimicrobial resistance in and around San Cristóbal in the Galápagos.
Penn researchers Vanessa and Alexis North are studying one of the largest collections of Egyptian blue objects ever found in the ancient Near East, shedding new light on how the world’s first synthetic pigment may have traveled far beyond Egypt.
A new role for dental providers? Rethinking where vaccines are given
Vaccinations have traditionally been administered in primary care settings or pharmacies. However, for about a decade, some states have authorized dentists to administer vaccines, and many others did so during the COVID-19 pandemic. The effectiveness of this approach has led some countries and states to expand or consider expanding the role of dental providers in delivering routine vaccines, including those against COVID-19 and the human papillomavirus (HPV), and in providing vaccine education.
Penn student develops a way for computer chips to run more efficiently
Fluid Silicon, a platform from President’s Sustainability Prize winner Nhlanhla Mavuso, allows computer chips to continuously monitor their health and self-tune as their characteristics change. The technology has the potential to reduce energy usage in data centers and improve reliability in mission-critical applications.
