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