Petranek’s studio practice explores nature through the lens of contemporary culture, especially in response to technological and scientific advances. The work investigates the intersections between science, culture and nature with the intent of cobbling together a personal and possibly more holistic view of nature in the face of modernity. Influenced by his formal training as a biologist, his projects usually take the form of structured, serialized trials and draw conclusions through experimentation and repetitive observation. Petranek is an emerging visual artist whose photographic and video work have been exhibited both nationally and internationally. Recently, he exhibited his Genetic Portrait Project at Rochester Contemporary Art Center and his video Blacksky was included in Manifest Gallery’s 2012 FotoFocus Biennial Exhibition. His Fossils series was included in Beyond / In Western New York 2010, Western New York’s premiere art biennial. He is represented by Circuit Gallery.