Tall tales from deep physics for folks,
and a challenge to nerds.
and a challenge to nerds.
|
Tall tales from deep physics for folks,
and a challenge to nerds. |
Van Gogh, Magritte and Warhol meet Einstein, Feynman, and Hawking in an attempt to shift the foundations of physics. By developing a visual vocabulary that is tightly linked to the mathematics of physics, new insights are gained. Form, color and contrast are used to expand the palette of physics which is currently constrained to simple stick drawings. Historically, artists have told religious stories often relying on triptychs to gain different perspectives. To explain these tall tales from deep physics, I have relied on triptychs to walk around concepts visually.
Progress in the logic of science happens when firmly established ideas must
dance with new partners to recreate the footprints left on the floor by experiments.
The technical narrative behind each piece is presented with accompanying text.
The first section, "For Folks", is targeted for a general audience.
No knowledge of the issues is presumed. In contrast, the section "For Nerds"
is intended for people with a technical knowledge of physics. The text forms
its own diptych between physicists and the general public.
The Goals of the Pop Science Project
The PoP science project has three goals. The first goal is to explain some of the trickiest ideas and experiments ever developed in physics to a general audience. Any difficulty in understanding a piece lies in the difficulty in understanding the scientific idea behind it, which may come from special relativity (the physics of going fast), general relativity (the physics of gravity), or quantum mechanics (the physics of wavy clumps of particles).
The second goal is to present new perspectives about physics to nerds. In these works, there are new, useful observations and equations for professional physicists. These works do not yet constitute a theory, a completely coherent system of logic. Rather, the collection is like quantum mechanics in 1924, not a theory, but a collection of new, useful observations and equations. The artist is interested in establishing collaborations with physicists willing to work on the task of building a theory from a set of curiosities.
The third goal is to build a body of art work suitable for presentation at a university museum. The tension of an open and lively discussion of the ideas behind these works could help to pull this intellectual sled forward.
Exhibitions
The first national juried exhibition, Lancaster Museum of Art, Lancaster,
PA, July 1997
One of 60 works chosen from over 300 submissions.
When Art and Science Collide, Newton, MA, Feb. 5, 1997
Gave a guest lecture at Lasell College on "Pop Science."
ArtWorks, First Impressions Gallery, Boston, MA, Jan. 1, 1997
The multimedia work "A Brief Definition of Time" was part of a First Night event sponsored by the Massachusetts Interactive Media Council.
An open studio at 50 Ackers Ave.., Brookline, MA., Sept.. 21, 1995
Forty guests were treated to food, wine, and Grand Marnier chocolate truffles. Performed Waltz No. 1, written and choreographed by the artist.
"Duramount and Other Adhesives", Mass. Art, May 15, 1995
Student group show at Mass. Art. Displayed six works, including two performance pieces using original music.
Continuing Education in Art
Have taken courses at the School of the Museum of Fine Arts and Mass. Art in computer and electronic art, collage, cold glass work, welding, clay sculpture and business skills. Take private lessons in singing and piano while learning how to Lindy Hop.
Continuing Education in Physics
Have taken courses at Harvard and MIT in special and general relativity, quantum mechanics, particle physics, group theory, and the history of physics. Received 2 S. B.'s from MIT in Biology and Chemical Engineering.
Bicycle Design
Tours the town on recumbent bicycle designed by the artist.
