In an inspiring confluence of art and science, the ‘Transcending the Invisible‘ project hosted a riveting outreach session at King’s College London on 17 May 2024. Funded by the Royal Society Public Engagement Fund, this groundbreaking initiative aims to illuminate the multifaceted nature of light through the collaborative efforts of artists and scientists.
Project Setting
Artistic practice and scientific research share fundamental similarities in their processes and objectives. Both fields begin with inquiry and exploration, driven by curiosity and the desire to understand or express complex concepts. Creativity and innovation are central, as artists and scientists push boundaries and experiment with new ideas and methods. Both disciplines follow an iterative process of refinement, document their work meticulously, and present their findings to their respective communities. Collaboration and critical thinking are essential, enabling problem-solving and the advancement of knowledge. Ultimately, both art and science aim to impact society positively, contributing to cultural enrichment and practical advancements while navigating risks and uncertainties.
Project Overview
Transcending the Invisible seeks to bridge the gap between the worlds of art and science, exploring the profound impact of light on both disciplines. The project began in November 2023 and features 18 months of intensive collaboration, where artists and scientists engage in ‘In Focus sessions’ to share their practices and research. During this period, participants will organically pair up with collaborators who share a creative and intellectual affinity. These collaborations aim to open up new dialogues, explore novel ideas, and create original work that will be showcased at the end of the project.
Highlights from the Session
The session featured a series of compelling presentations from some members of the project, each shedding light on different aspects of the project, and how light impacts their work.
Sasha Rakovich: Light and Nanomaterials
Sasha Rakovich, the project lead, provided a comprehensive introduction to light and nanomaterials. She emphasised the distinction between light as a physical phenomenon and colour as a perceptual experience. Rakovich explained how light interacts with materials through transmission, reflection, refraction, diffraction, absorption, and scattering, using vivid examples such as the iridescent wings of butterflies and the colour-changing skin of chameleons. Her talk also highlighted the applications of nanomaterials in sensing, nanomedicine, and chemical generation or breakdown.
Grace Pappas: Translating Science into Art
Grace Pappas, the artistic lead on the project, discussed her approach to making scientific concepts accessible through art. She highlighted her work on material memories, which explores how objects can capture and convey personal and historical narratives. Pappas shared her project simulating a lens as large as Earth to observe a black hole, demonstrating the creative potential of scientific inspiration.
Yukako Tanaka: Visualising the Invisible
Conceptual artist Yukako Tanaka shared her exploration of art, science, and philosophy. Tanaka discussed her practice of merging these fields to explore themes of existence, presence, and memory. She presented her project ‘Memory of Ghost,’ which visualises the sound of gravitational waves using cymatics, and ‘Close Encounters of the Existence,’ a 3D hologram that transforms cosmic ray data into a visual form.
Tyler Mallison: Light, Perception, and Painting
Tyler Mallison discussed his fascination with light and perception, integrating technology into his paintings to explore new ways of representing light. His work pushes the boundaries of traditional painting techniques, offering innovative perspectives on light interaction.
Vittorio Aita: Structured Light and Optical Communications
Vittorio Aita explained the concept of structured light and its applications in optical communications. He demonstrated how lasers can be shaped to transmit complex information through optical fibres, showcasing the potential of this technology in advancing communication systems.
Lily Hassioti: Light and Sound Installations
Lily Hassioti explored the materialities of light and sound through her installation ‘Mixed Signals,’ which converts light into sound using solar panels. Her work emphasises the invisible aspects of light and its interactions with other media, making these interactions tangible and perceptible.
James Fox: Experiments with Light
James Fox shared his experiments with lasers and prisms, focusing on the interaction and complexity of light. His work involves translating physical light phenomena into digital simulations, creating immersive visual experiences that highlight light’s dynamic nature.
David Penny: Capturing Light in Photography
David Penny addressed the role of light in photography, focusing on cameraless techniques such as photograms to document light and shadow in scientific environments. His work reveals the intricate patterns of light interaction, creating images that offer a unique perspective on light’s properties.
Exhibition Showcase
Following the talks, the session featured an exhibition where artists and scientists showcased their collaborative works. This exhibition gave attendees an immersive experience, allowing them to see firsthand the innovative pieces created through the project. The artworks and scientific demonstrations highlighted the unique fusion of art and science, emphasising the profound impact of light on both disciplines.
A Bright Future
Transcending the Invisible exemplifies the synergy between art and science, offering a platform for creative and scientific minds to collaborate and explore the wonders of light. With engaging public exhibits and innovative research, the project aims to deepen our understanding of light and inspire future interdisciplinary endeavours.