Lucy Somers is an artist and scientific researcher, with colour at the centre of all her investigations. Her research work examines ways to manipulate human colour vision. Though her painting predates her venture into vision research, the impact of studying vision has been to reinforce the role of texture and body in our experience of colour.
With the research team in the Sussex Colour Group and Vision Lab at Sussex University, Somers uses realistic and complex
visual stimuli to examine the workings of the human visual system, investigate how it can be manipulated, and in turn how the dynamic visual system response and adapts to these changes.
The ethos of sensory excess and abundance from her artistic work informs her approach to scientific investigation, using new technological advances to conduct controlled experiments with visual stimuli that seem uncontrollable and chaotic; reflecting the task of the brain as it navigates the richness of our visual lives.
Her work in vision science continues alongside her painting practise, allowing each a separate identity, so they continue
to interact and inform each other.
Get an insight into both investigations on this site, and sign up for updates at the bottom of the page if you would like to receive updates about new work and upcoming events.