Art installment brightens pharmacology

Visual order: Artist Fritha Langerman's work is a new permanent fixture at the Department of Clinical Pharmacology

The Department of Clinical Pharmacology at UCT's Medical School received an innovative facelift with the unveiling of a new art installment by Michaelis lecturer and award-winning artist Fritha Langerman.

The nine pieces on display, which will remain as a permanent fixture at the department's entrance, are made from chrome steel. The installment was commissioned by the department, and although abstract in nature, it aims to represent biomedical science and a visual ordering of knowledge and information.

"The installment provides a visual index for the department," explains Langerman.

Langerman uses multiple repeated images in her work, echoing the rose windows of mediaeval churches. Additionally, by using both simple tools and modern technology that reference the mass-produced 18th century Encyclopèdie and the internet search engine, Google, her work reflects three of the great knowledge systems in history.

Professor Gary Maartens, head of the Department of Clinical Pharmacology, is more than happy with the facelift. "It's changed the way I walk into work," he quips.