Photograph by Maurice Mikkers
Normally, we do not have a positive association with tears – typically, they are released in response to pain, whether physical or emotional. However, some recent photographic artwork can perhaps help reframe our concept of tears as an unexpected source of beauty.
The Dutch scientist Maurice Mikkers prepares images of the crystal structure of different pharmaceutical drugs. He is also an artist. In 2015 Mikkers began to prepare slides of crystalized human tears and to photograph the results. Initially, he was curious to know whether there would be any discernible patterns among the three classes of tears (basal, reflex and emotional) generally recognized by scientists. Basal tears are continuously produced in order to keep the eyes moist, whereas reflex tears are released in response to irritation such as debris or onion juice. No such pattern emerged, yet Mikkers discovered a world of previously undocumented beauty. He has since concluded that tears are as unique as snowflakes.
Rose-Lynn Fisher, an American photographer, has embarked on a similar project. Her remarkable work in this area has been exhibited in California as well as being featured on the Smithsonian’s website.
Sources consulted :
https://medium.com/micrograph-stories/imaginarium-of-tears-10263c866ee1#.j4zfw8nd9
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/the-microscopic-structures-of-dried-human-tears-180947766/
