Kate Nichols is an Oakland-based painter and the founder of Kate Nichols Studio, where she leads projects at the intersection of art and science. Her innovative work includes creating nanoparticles inspired by structurally colored animals, using CRISPR-Cas9 for genetic painting, and growing artificial skin from microorganisms. Nichols was the first artist-in-residence at the Alivisatos Nanoscience Lab at UC Berkeley, where she deepened her understanding of color science. Her projects involve experimenting with nanomaterials in paintings, exploring visual instability, and collaborating with organisms to create art that interacts with the human body. Nichols is a TED Fellow and has received various awards, fellowships, and residencies for her groundbreaking work, which has been exhibited globally. Through her lectures and projects, she delves into the historical context of painting while pushing the boundaries of art and technology.
Areas of Expertise
Art + Science, Bioart, CRISPR, Children's literature, History of art and science, Nanotechnology, Painting, Synthetic biology