Disco Phage — a fusion of whimsical science and retro glamour

Disco Phage, my latest public sculpture, is a fusion of whimsical science and retro glamour. Picture a T4 bacteriophage—an infectious agent of E. coli—taking a well-earned break for the weekend, lacing up gold roller skates, and hitting the local rink for Disco Night. Bathed in glitz, it dazzles with glittery makeup and multicolored beaded strands, twirling beneath the neon lights. A microscopic marvel transformed into a shimmering, kinetic spectacle—what an experience!
 
Why T4? When I first ventured into biotech, I explored early 3D electron microscopy, using T4 as my subject. That foundational work influenced this sculpture, tying scientific discovery to artistic expression. To the right of the sculpture image, you’ll find a conceptual rendering of a T4 infecting an E. coli bacterium—an ode to its microscopic intrigue. My previous large-scale sculptural representation of T4 also stands in the Skokie/Lincolnwood sculpture garden, just north of Chicago, marking another moment in its artistic evolution.

Tall red and blue steel sculpture standing on four gold roller skates, with strands of steel as hair, mimicking the T4 bacteriophage.

Peter N. Gray

June 2025

Moving Forward in a time of Change at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art

UKRAINIAN INSTITUTE OF MODERN ART

30 October 2020 to 13 December 2020

2320 W Chicago Ave., Chicago, IL 60622, 773 227-5522

Moving Forward in a time of Change: Our New Relationship to the World We Live In is a sculpture exhibition juried by Adrienne Kochman addressing newfound issues generated by the pandemic. The absence of human activity has created noticeable improvements from clearer skies, breathable air quality and less noise to increased movement of wildlife into human frequented areas. Works are sought relating to how these shifts have changed our relationship to the world we live in, such as our sense of space – open and contained, the passing of time, and the un- or over-availability of some materials.

Peter N. Gray’s sculpture, Neither Inside nor Outside, addresses a world of very local boundaries that have implications both outside and inside creating an unease in those of us who do not fit anywhere or in a particular situation. Our new boundaries separate us from even those close to us.  At times we are neither inside nor outside. We try to reach the other side but cannot.

Neither Inside nor Outside Peter N. Gray

52”H x 22”W x 22”D peter@metal-i-genics.com