Susan Aldworth: Modern Alchemy

This is one of two exhibitions opening in April 2026 from artist Susan Aldworth whose work explores our sense of self.

In Gallery 2, Modern Alchemy sees the artist share the results of a collaboration with Dr Amanda Jarvis of the University of Edinburgh whose research in sustainable chemistry explore how to make chemical synthesis greener including recycling and replacing precious metals with cheaper, more abundant alternatives.

Modern Alchemy in Gallery 2 will debut a new series of prints created in partnership with Dr Amanda Jarvis. In 2023 Aldworth was awarded a commission by ASCUS Art & Science to make a series of experimental works in response to Dr Jarvis’ research whose long-term aim is to develop more sustainable catalytic chemistry. To mirror the ambition of Jarvis’ laboratory to reduce, recycle or replace expensive metals in catalysis, Aldworth decided to work in etching, switching from expensive copper and zinc etching plates to cheaper steel plates. By throwing chemicals into the aquatint resin before it was fired onto the plate surface, Aldworth developed a visual equivalence of catalysis– capturing a moment of chemical reaction.

Please join us for Modern Alchemy: Behind the Scenes of an Art-Science Collaboration on 16 April. Click here for more information.

Susan Aldworth: Modern Alchemy is part of the Edinburgh Science Festival 2026 and is supported by the University of Edinburgh and ASCUS Art & Science.

Image: Susan Aldworth and Dr Amanda Jarvis, photo by Alan Dimmick

Header Image: Susan Aldworth, Birth of a Thought. Etching and aquatint, 2007.
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Amanda Jarvis partnered with ASCUS to create a dialogue between design and chemistry, investigating how these fields intersect and how design is interpreted within each. The collaboration explored how design methodologies might inform her work on transition-metal catalysts, opening up new possibilities for more sustainable and circular approaches within chemistry.

ASCUS designed and developed a series of events which included a panel discussion involving panellists that had worked on interdisciplinary projects, followed by two lab-based workshops in ASCUS’ publicly accessible art-science lab in Summerhall, that invited designers and chemists to exchange ideas, allowed Amanda to better understand how non-scientists would approach catalytic chemistry experiments and if there was anything in their approach that would inspire a new way of thinking. Her work on sustainability in chemistry and discussions around non-renewable resources prompted extensive dialogue on these critical issues. Following these events, ASCUS issued an open call for an artist to collaborate with Amanda on an exploratory project. Through conversations, lab work, and studio visits, this process developed into a series of prints, now titled Modern Alchemy.

The relationship between art and science is often explored through biology concepts as chemistry and physics are often perceived to involve concepts that are difficult to grasp and more challenging to engage the public. From ASCUS’ perspective, Modern Alchemy has been an exciting, fresh take on what art-science collaborations can look like and will hopefully encourage others to explore chemistry and art in their respective disciplines.
The University of Edinburgh

The University of Edinburgh, founded in 1583, is a world-leading research university in Scotland, renowned for its academic excellence, historic legacy and global impact. It was officially established under a royal charter from King James V1, making it one of Scotland’s four ancient universities and the sixth oldest in the English-speaking works. It played a pivotal role during the Scottish Enlightenment, contributing to Edinburgh’s nickname as the ‘Athens of the North’.

ASCUS Art & Science
ASCUS Art & Science has been bridging the gap between art and science since 2008. The two disciplines are often seen as polar opposites, whilst in reality there are many overlaps, and each have enormous value to add to the other. ASCUS creates the time and space to enable people from different disciplines to engage with one another, share ideas and understand different approaches to tackling complex problems. ASCUS hosts a publicly accessible art-science lab in Summerhall where both scientists and non-scientists can receive training and tailored project support to carry out independent interdisciplinary projects, conduct research and develop artworks.
Susan Aldworth

Susan Aldworth (born 1955) has a background in philosophy, and a strong interest in investigating the workings of the human mind, especially consciousness and our sense of self. Her work on the relationship between the physical brain and our sense of identity has linked her with the Art & Science movement in the UK since the late 1990s, and has been an associate lecturer on the MA Art & Science at Central St Martins. Aldworth is also interested in the lived experience, and her experimental work in print, drawing, installation and time-based media interrogates the personal, medical, medicated, scientific and philosophical narratives on which we build our notions of self.

Working as an artist-in-residence in a medical or academic setting is central to her practice, giving her access to scientists, patients and health professionals as well as philosophers and art historians. Her work is held in many public and private collections including the V&A, the British Museum, The Fitzwilliam Museum, the British Library and The Wellcome Collection Library in the UK, and Williams College Museum of Art in the USA. Aldworth has exhibited widely both nationally and internationally. Aldworth is represented by TAG Fine Art, and is a regular presenter on BBC Radio 3 and 4.