PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A compelling new exhibition is now open at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, called “Skin: Living Armor, Evolving Identity.”
“The exhibition explores the skin as an organ and the way it is diverse among different species including humans,” said Marina McDougall is vice president of experience and engagement at the Academy.
That includes human skin, too, of course. McDougall described a section of the exhibit all about human skin coloration, from both scientific and social perspectives.
“There is a big area that talks about issues of injustice surrounding skin and about how race has been defined as sort of subjugating people over time in different contexts,” said Marina is vice president of experience and engagement at the Academy.
One of the exhibit’s highlights is a sculpted model of a black rhinoceros. It demonstrates the contrast between the animal’s extremely tough skin and the fragility of its future as a species because it’s considered critically endangered in the wild.
There are some taxidermied animals on display, and live animals, including turtles, snakes and lizards, will be showcased on select days.
The exhibit runs through Jan. 21.