Photographer Andrei Duman's X-ray Series Becomes an Immersive Experience At Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago

For the past six years, photographer Andrei Duman has been on a quest to uncover what lies hidden in plain sight. His latest series, Beyond the Surface: The Art of X-rays, invites viewers into a world where the familiar becomes extraordinary, and where childhood toys, household items, and even luxury model cars are reimagined through the lens of X-ray technology.

This summer, that vision takes center stage in a landmark exhibition at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. Opening July 3, 2025, Beyond the Surface: The Art of X-rays will occupy the museum’s 5,000-square-foot Griffin Studio space with a multi-room, interactive experience. From high-definition projections to never-before-seen X-rays of historical artifacts, the exhibit offers visitors a chance to explore the intersection of science, design, and curiosity.

“I’m constantly seeking new ways to ignite curiosity and wonder and Andrei’s extraordinary X-ray photography does just that. His work reveals a world hidden in plain sight, where the elegance of science meets the expressive power of art. We’re honored to present Beyond the Surface: The Art of X-ray, as an exhibition in our Griffin Studio as a companion to this stunning photography book.”

— Dr. Chevy Humphrey, President & CEO
Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

A Journey Born of Curiosity

Andrei Duman has long been captivated by the mechanics of image-making. Over the course of his career, that fascination evolved—from an interest in the tools themselves to a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of what those tools could reveal. What began as an experiment—X-raying a few simple objects—quickly became a multi-year artistic pursuit.

“With each new subject, my appreciation for the hidden beauty and structural elegance of these objects grew,” Duman explains. “I was driven by one question: ‘What if we X-rayed…?’”

The result is a collection of more than 150 images that transform the ordinary into something visually stunning and conceptually rich. It’s a series that encourages wonder and invites contemplation, not just about the objects themselves, but about how we see the world around us.

Inside the Exhibit

The exhibit will include several distinct rooms, each offering a different lens into Andrei's process and perspective.

One gallery space features X-rays of rarely viewed items from the museum’s private collection, including objects that changed the course of history.

Another space showcases Duman’s exclusive collaboration with Bugatti and the Amalgam Collection. Together, they’ve X-rayed a series of six 1:8 scale Bugatti models, capturing the intricate engineering and design language of one of the world’s most revered automotive brands.

A Book, A Show, A New Way of Seeing

Alongside the exhibit, Andrei has released a coffee table book of the same name, featuring the full collection of X-ray photographs and a foreword by Griffin Museum of Science and Industry President and CFO that speaks to their resonance in both scientific and design circles. The book serves as a permanent archive of the work—and as a portal into a world where art and inquiry go hand in hand. The book is available to pre-order on the Beyond The Surface website. 

Whether viewed on the museum walls or inside the pages of a book, Andrei's work reminds us that there is always more to see—if we just look a little deeper.

Don’t miss the opening of Beyond the Surface: The Art of X-rays at Griffin Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, starting July 3, 2025. The exhibit runs through the fall. Stay tuned for more object stories, behind-the-scenes content, and ways to bring this art into your home.

Check back soon for tickets.