by KYW's Karin Phillips

Two Drexel University professors have collaborated on an unusual exhibit that examines the art and the science behind inkblots.

There are two types of inkblots in the exhibit, called "Open to Interpretation: The Art and Science of the Inkblot." Some of the inkblots were used to psychologically test some interesting subjects of the past, including Sirhan Sirhan and Rudolph Hess.  Clinical pyschologist Dr. Eric Zillmer:

"This particular inkblot, where you see a bat, this 16-year-old serial killer saw 'a smiley face that got badly shot -- four holes.' "

The other inkblots are created by Drexel graphic arts professor John Langdon -- beautifully colored as an artistic statement:

"I reflect on what I have in front of me, the same as a psychological patient would. I've cut out images of mouths from magazines, and when I see the potential for a face in one of these inkblots, I paste the mouth on there."

The exhibit is at the Leonard Pearlstein Gallery of Drexel University through February 8th.

(Graphic: John Langdon)