Platinum, palladium, rhodium, iridium, osmium and ruthenium are among the 112 chemical elements that have been reinterpreted through a new period table.

The work of 79 Australian chemists and 38 Tasmanian printmakers, the new pictorial table shows all the known elements in a new light, with designs based on their properties.

Being unveiled in three exhibitions touring Australia and New Zealand, the results can also be viewed on the website of the Royal Australian Chemical Institute.

Each picture is accompanied by a history of the element in question, its uses and properties, as well as a brief description from the artist.

"Platinum is the super metal," says Carrie-Ann Smith, who came up with the picture for the element with atomic number 78.

"It is highly resistant to corrosives, strong and malleable. I have created Platinum Girl, a super heroine.

"She is white, blonde and decorated as a Mayan princess, as the Mayans were the first main users of this metal."

Source:

The Artists' Periodic Table (13/08/11) 

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