QUEZON CITY, Philippines (Jul 2026) — Science homework usually involves late nights and caffeine, but for these biology students in Diliman, it meant picking up a paintbrush instead. The Institute of Biology (IB) at the University of the Philippines Diliman recently transformed its halls into a creative space through the Plant Morpho-ARTnatomy mini exhibition, proving that lab specimens can be just as beautiful as they are educational.
The display featured works from Biology 101 students who took their mandatory plant study plates and reimagined them using charcoal, watercolor, acrylic, and even clay. What started as a requirement to label plant structures became a showcase of talent on canvas, wood, and paper.
From lab plates to portraits
Biology 101 faculty-in-charge Dr. Erika Marie Bascos started the initiative after discovering a personal passion for painting during the pandemic. She realized that the detailed drawings students produced during class sessions were more than just study aids for exams.
While Pinoy students are known for being hardworking, Dr. Bascos was surprised by the level of patience and variety in their submissions. Some students chose to crochet their specimens, while others worked with 3D structures. One student initially doubted his ability to finish the project, only to produce one of the most impressive pieces in the collection.
Where science and art coexist
The subjects of the artworks ranged from macroscopic plants like ferns and pitcher plants to the tiny, microscopic details of plant tissues and crystals. One student, Janine Patricia Omalin, shared that she drew a shortleaf pine during her breaks, while Althea Bernice Javier tried painting for the first time to depict the star-shaped cells found in banana leaves.
Beyond the bonus points offered for participation, the activity allowed students to explore the possibility of becoming scientific illustrators. Dr. Bascos noted that their background in morphology and anatomy gives them a unique edge in creating accurate and beautiful biological art.
Catch the exhibit
The Plant Morpho-ARTnatomy exhibit is more than just a gallery, it is a testament to how science and creativity can live together. Many students have expressed interest in donating their works to the Institute of Biology to help future batches analyze plant structures through a more artistic lens.
The exhibit is currently open to the public and will run until July 24, 2026, at the Institute of Biology in UP Diliman.
