Laura Splan (born 1973) is an American visual artist.[1] [2] She is based in New York City.
Splan's work explores the correlation between art, science technology and the traditional and experimental crafts.[3] A primary influence is microbiological and medical imaging.[4] She has created innovative works in lace referencing viruses and microbes. The lace Doilies are embroidered in radial virus patterns that visualize the HIV, SARS, Influenza and other virus structures.[5] Splan has created watercolors using her own blood as a medium rather than paint.[6] Splan uses the foil of familiar domestic artifacts and decorative textiles to convey meaning about the visceral body, biohazards and epidemics.[7] Because her work often addresses pathogens and disease it has been described as beautiful and horrible. Splan describes her artistic goals are to inspire "beauty and horror, comfort and discomfort.[8]
Her work has been shown at the Museum of Arts and Design in New York City.[1]