Sacred Breaths

"Sacred Breaths" at Science Gallery Atlanta
A Groundbreaking Collaboration Between Art and Science

Conceptual artist Bea Lamar invites audiences to explore the profound connections between ancestral wisdom, environmental stewardship, and the invisible forces that sustain life in her latest installation, Sacred Breaths. This compelling exhibit, part of the Resilient Earth season, will be featured at the Science Gallery Atlanta at Emory University from September 14, 2024, through April 30, 2025.

Sacred Breaths is a pioneering exploration of the sacred relationship between humans and the natural world, focusing on the air we breathe, forest bathing, and the timeless wisdom passed down through generations. Lamar’s work envisions a deep reconnection with the earth, echoing the understanding our ancestors held long before the advent of modern science—recognizing the forest as a sanctuary for healing and spiritual communion.

Set within a greenhouse, Sacred Breaths pays homage to the forest ecosystem—creating a space where trees and plants coexist while acknowledging our limits in replicating nature's intelligence. Though it cannot match the complexity of a real forest, this installation invites reflection on our bond with nature and the need to preserve its essence and mysticism.

“Sacred Breaths is an exploration of our deep, innate connection to nature and the invisible forces that sustain us,” said Lamar. “It’s about recognizing that the air we breathe, the mighty and tiny living beings, and their intricate networks that shelter and sustain us, along with the wisdom of our ancestors, are all intertwined in ways we are only beginning to understand.”

The installation is further enriched by a collaboration with Dr. Eri Saikawa, an esteemed environmental scientist whose research adds a critical scientific dimension to the project. Dr. Saikawa’s live, ongoing study—accessible through the Saikawa Lab website—provides real-time data on air quality within the greenhouse, allowing visitors to engage deeply with the findings, whether on-site or remotely throughout the duration of the exhibit.

“Sacred Breaths invites everyone to be creative and curious about the world around us. This piece illustrates how new scientific questions can arise from a creative space,” said Dr. Saikawa.

This exhibit offers a dynamic blend of art expression and scientific inquiry, providing a space where visitors can explore the interplay between human activity and environmental health. By making the invisible visible, Sacred Breaths fosters a deeper understanding of our interconnected existence and the importance of preserving our natural world.

About Bea Lamar

Bea Lamar is a Lebanese American artist based in Pasadena, California, with a career spanning over two decades. Born in Beirut, Lebanon, her early candlelit sketching sessions with her father ignited a lifelong exploration of art’s mystical dimensions. Bea’s work merges ancestry and art with social advocacy, focusing on themes of climate change, displacement, and environmental sustainability. Now rooted on the ancestral land of the Hahamog’na Tongva people, Bea’s practice blends environmentalism, ancestral wisdom, and quantum interconnectedness. Drawing from her Levantine heritage-ancient divination, celestial rhythms, and herbal lore-she creates immersive installations that dissolve boundaries between energy and physical space. Bea’s work is exhibited globally and was recently awarded the 2024 City of Pasadena Artist Grant. Her art practice continues to explore the intersections of science, spirituality, and art, acting as a mirror to our interconnected existence. 

About Dr. Eri Saikawa

Eri Saikawa, PhD, is a Professor and a Winship Distinguished Research Professor of Environmental Sciences at Emory University, specializing in interdisciplinary environmental research. Her work spans a wide range of topics, including atmospheric chemistry, environmental health, biogeochemistry, climate science, and environmental policy and politics. She is interested in the source and the magnitude of emissions linked to air pollution, climate change and soil contamination. Her lab also focuses on what policy measures are available to reduce these emissions and exposures from environmental pollution

About Science Gallery Atlanta
Science Gallery Atlanta at Emory University is a pioneering space that brings together researchers, artists, and innovators to explore the intersection of science and culture. The Resilient Earth season invites visitors to consider how we can build a sustainable and resilient future.

Exhibition Details
Title: Sacred Breaths
Artist: Bea Lamar
Location: Science Gallery Atlanta at Emory University
4800 Briarcliff Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30345, United States
Complimentary parking available
Dates: September 14, 2024 – April 30, 2025
Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 AM - 5 PM
Website: 

https://www.atlanta.sciencegallery.com/resilient-earth-exhibits/sacred-breaths

https://www.bealamar.com/sacredbreaths

https://www.saikawalab.com/sacredbreaths