The Science
Dragonflies undergo an incomplete metamorphosis, transitioning straight from their juvenile larval stage to their winged adult form without creating a pupa. When the larva is ready, it climbs out of the water and latches onto a blade of grass. The adult dragonfly moults from the back and is capable of flight in just a couple of hours. This piece was first traditionally rendered in stark pen and ink before the background sky and grass was digitally drawn for a more subtle effect.
While this piece may not conform to the widely known definition, an alternate meaning of 'to regenerate' is ‘reformed or reborn, especially in a spiritual or moral sense’ (OED). ‘Metamorphosis’ showcases the physical reformation of the dragonfly to adulthood as well as commentating on the confusing and disarming transition present in humans. There is an internal rebuilding that both baby and bug must adapt to as they are thrust into the next stage of their lives.
Link to additional information related to the science.
The Artist
Mulan Pan is a senior at Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, and enjoys creating art that showcases all the wonders of the world, from mythology to astronomy to entomology. In her free time she dances passionately (but poorly) to a wide range of classical music and KPOP. She believes that you can’t control when inspiration strikes, so always chase after thunderstorms - and have a key and kite on standby.
Copyright statement. This work is published under the CC BY-NC-SA license