Drawing inspiration from her scientific work on wound healing, specifically the phosphorylation of the ribosomal protein S6 (p-rpS6), Klinaki has creatively expressed the beauty and complexity she encounters daily in the lab. Her artwork is a symbolic representation of a burn injury sample, which plays a pivotal role in the group’s research. The vibrant hues and abstract shapes mirror the fluorescent staining techniques used in analyzing such samples, adding both aesthetic and scientific depth to her piece.

Klinaki also credits Vienna’s rich cultural heritage as a major source of inspiration. She found a unique connection between the histological samples she studies and the artwork of the renowned Austrian painter Gustav Klimt, especially his masterpiece, The Kiss. In The Burn, Klinaki transforms The Kiss into a metaphor for the passion that drives scientific discovery.

“As for my scientific work, I was drawn to a specific sample of a burn injury that caught my attention due to its significance in our p-rpS6 research journey and its vibrant colors. I tried to capture its beauty and complexity in my artwork.”

With this powerful piece, Klinaki encapsulates the intensity of scientific curiosity, describing it as a “burning desire” to uncover the mysteries of the universe. Through her art, she hopes to inspire others to embrace their passions and express them in creative and meaningful ways.