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Emily Graslie's Art Lab: Cicada Mania

12 minutes 40 seconds

Now Playing As: Captioned (English) (change)

In "Emily Graslie's Art Lab: Cicada Mania," Emily Graslie explores the intersection of art and science through the fascinating lifecycle of cicadas. Set against the backdrop of the 2021 Brood X cicada emergence, the video delves into the biology and cultural significance of cicadas. It highlights their unique lifecycle, with some species living underground for up to 17 years before emerging to mate and die over a short period. This natural phenomenon, observed and celebrated for thousands of years, inspires art and poetry, from ancient Greek and Chinese texts to contemporary installations. The video also touches on the cicadas' symbolism in different cultures, ranging from purity in Chinese mythology to inspiration in Japanese and French art. This engaging exploration helps viewers appreciate the cicada's role in our world and sparks curiosity about nature’s remarkable cycles.

Media Details

Runtime: 12 minutes 40 seconds

Dark room with a wreath on the wall that is dimly lit with string lights weaved inside of it.
Emily Graslie's Art Lab
Season 1 / Ep 1
12 minutes 40 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Illustration shows different angles of Tardigrada. Text reads, “Tardigrada from the Scottish Lochs by J. Murray, 1905, Biodiversity Heritage library.”
Emily Graslie's Art Lab
Season 1 / Ep 2
10 minutes 47 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12
Emily Graslie sits in front of a bookcase and looks at us while she talks.
Emily Graslie's Art Lab
Season 1 / Ep 3
11 minutes 49 seconds
Grade Level: 7 - 12