New World Transparent Specimens
Lori Tomita takes the bodies of animals and makes them transparent. The technique he uses is also used to study scientifically species. It was established to study the skeletal system. This process takes time and experience. “I create transparent specimens as pieces of work that help people feel closer to the wonders of life. People may look at my specimens as an academic material, a piece of art, or even an entrance to philosophy. There is no limitation to how you interpret their meaning”, says Tomita.
The body is absorbed in a mixture of enzymes and chemicals that destroy proteins of the flesh and muscles. That stops the proteins from being completely destroyed, and to a point where they are transparent. The bones are also dyed magenta and the cartilages are dyed blue. He preserves his beautiful creations in glycerin. He originally got the idea while working as a fisherman. His first creations were only fish. The pieces are sold at Tokyu Hands department store in Japan.
