Ele-gene Voyager

Created by: Marta Zubieta
Location: University of Leicester – David Wilson Library

Overview

Prepare to be dazzled by Ele-Gene, a cosmic explorer with a scientific twist! Painted in deep galactic purples and blues, Ele-Gene is a tribute to Leicester’s groundbreaking contributions to DNA fingerprinting and space science. He’s adorned with a bold, double-helix DNA strand that glows with vibrant turquoise energy, symbolizing life and connection through flower details, and Leicester’s legacy in science. With planets and atoms orbiting his body, Ele-Gene reminds us that we’re all made of star-stuff, bound by the universal code of life, and we reach for the stars while cherishing the bonds that connect us all.

Location

University of Leicester – David Wilson Library

Meet the Artist

Marta Zubieta

My name is Zubieta, I am multidisciplinar artist, illustrator, merch creator, muralist and graphic designer. Inspired by cartoons, sci-fi, pop culture and folklore I enjoy helping out brands and individuals to talk to their audience with a touch of humour and surrealism.  In 2023 I was awarded with the Arts Council grant DYCP and created my first VR environment reproducing one of my illustrations into a explorable landscape. I have also designed sets for Wake the tiger (boomtown) and brand assets for companies like Deliveroo or M&C Saatchi. I have participated in Wild in Art events since 2018 and I love working on the sculptures, getting to travel to other cities and meeting the people from the charities, the sponsors and sharing knowledge and experiences with the other artists accross The UK.

 

Meet the Elephants

Ezra

Ezra

Created by: Merrydale Junior SchoolLocation: Leicester Cathedral - Main HallOur school values are belonging, excellence, aspiration and respect. We decided that our baby elephant should be respectful and kind because it can set a good example for the rest of the...

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Ezra

Ezra

Created by: Mercenfeld Primary SchoolLocation: Haymarket Shopping Centre - Community Hub (window)The school ran a competition for the children to complete their sculpture designs and winners were then picked. Ideas from the four winning designs were picked to go on...

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Maple

Maple

Created by: Maplewell Hall SchoolLocation: Leicester Museum & Art Gallery - Leicester Stories Gallery (downstairs)Maple isn’t just any model elephant— their burst of colour and creativity makes them totally unique! With their bright rainbow of blues, reds,...

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Deena, the DNA-lephant

Deena, the DNA-lephant

Created by: MacIntyreLocation: Leicester Museum & Art Gallery - Leicester Stories Gallery (Downstairs)Our DNA is what makes us as people and in the same way our company DNA illustrates all our values. All the people who draw on our support made their own design on...

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Baby Botanical

Baby Botanical

Created by: Lucy HebdenLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - outside Timberland / Holland & BarrettBaby Botanical is inspired by the African forest elephants who are the smallest elephant species, and perfect for a smaller sculpture. They live in the tropical forests...

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Lemmy the Elephant

Lemmy the Elephant

Created by: Loughborough Grammar SchoolLocation: DMU - The GalleryThe boys of Loughborough Grammar school came up with their own designs based on the values and heritage of our school and to reflect the diversity of our student body and wider community. The design was...

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Nova

Nova

Created by: Loughborough Baptist ChurchLocation: Haymarket Shopping Centre- Central SquareEach group thought about elephants and their habitats, taking part in games and craft activities relating to elephants. They learned about elephants’ lives, from new beginnings...

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Dotty

Dotty

Created by: LOROS HospiceSponsored by: Dryad EducationLocation: Highcross Upper Mall - Opposite BootsDotty was designed by LOROS Hospice’s CHANCE Club (bereaved children's club). They decided to incorporate our Tree of Life into the design so all of our staff,...

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Tales

Tales

Created by: Leicester Libraries Neighbourhood ServicesSponsored by: QDOSLocation: Leicester Central Library - UpstairsThe Library was inspired by the Elmer story book, post cards were gathered together from library users and community groups, including nurseries,...

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