IRENE ROGAN

 

I share the very sad news  that Professor Richard Gordon, theoretical biologist and visionary thinker,

passed away on 14th June 2026

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Art, Science and Environment Residency ​

Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory (GSML) Panacea, Florida

21st December 2015 - 3rd February 2016

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In 2015 I had the privilege of being invited by theoretical biologist Dr Richard Gordon to undertake a short residency at the Gulf Specimen Marine Laboratory (GSML) in Florida. Our connection grew from five years of correspondence centred on a shared fascination with diatoms and the microscopic world. During my stay I was warmly welcomed by GSML President Jack Rudloe, renowned naturalist, environmental activist and author.

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The residency led to a series of artworks, site-specific experiments and discussions around future art-and-science collaborations. In the final part of my stay I created a group of installations titled Precious, inspired in part by microorganisms and diatom forms such as Bacillaria paradoxa. Using found materials and discarded equipment from the laboratory, the work highlighted the often unseen infrastructure that supports the care and rehabilitation of marine life.

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Richard and his wife, embryogeneticist Dr Natalie Gordon, described themselves as “itinerant scientists”, travelling widely to lecture, collaborate and attend conferences. As an itinerant artist myself, I recognised a similar way of working, where travel, research, meetings and creative practice become deeply intertwined.

 

Dr Richard Gordon passed away on 14 June 2026. I remain deeply grateful for his generosity, curiosity, encouragement and friendship. His invitation to GSML and his willingness to share ideas across disciplines helped shape my continuing exploration of art, science and the invisible worlds that surround us. This page is dedicated to his memory.

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