Meet Sputniko!, the artist changing how we experience science through art
![Sputniko! shares the inspiration behind her latest exhibition, "Coral Colors," on the OIST podcast](/sites/default/files/styles/embed_lg_1x/public/2025-01/Sputniko%21%20podcast%20article%20header%20image.jpg?itok=NzDfeNQO)
OIST’s first exhibition by a visiting artist transforms data on coral reef health into a thought-provoking artistic experience.
Hiromi Ozaki, known by her artist's name, Sputniko!, is a Japanese British artist combining art and technology to explore social issues. Her work integrates scientific concepts and emerging technologies to question perspectives and highlight important social and environmental issues.
OIST science writer Merle Naidoo recently interviewed Sputniko! for the OIST podcast.
Sputniko! frequently collaborates with scientists, as seen in her project titled “Red Silk of Fate” involving bioengineered silk that combines genetic engineering with cultural mythology. Inspired by Asian mythologies about a red silk line that connects two people who are destined to be together, she collaborated with Prof. Hideki Sezutsu from the University of Tokyo, who also serves as the Research Director at the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), to create genetically engineered red silk that contains the “love hormone” oxytocin.
In this podcast episode, Sputniko! discusses the beginnings and challenges of her artistic journey, explaining how science and technology have become central themes in her work. She also shares the inspiration behind her latest exhibition, "Coral Colors," which was on display at the OIST Tunnel Gallery from November 29 to January 9.