Science and Art in 3-D

A recent profile in the New York Times showcases two artists, working inside and outside academia, who both believe that “better visualization leads to better thinking.” Sculptor Nathalie Miebach “translates weather data and other scientific measurements into three-dimensional objects that accurately display temperature variations, barometric pressure and moon phases, among other things.” Matthew McCrory uses 3-D display to help scientists at Northwestern University visualize their data:

“Undergrads in front of a big 3-D display? They’re going to be pulled in.” But that’s just the beginning. “We are translating computational theoretical data that could not be seen in any other way,” he continued. “Astronomy, chemistry, biology — there isn’t any place we can’t touch.”

 

Oxford Art Online: Science and Contemporary Art

A recent article by Jean Robertson and Craig McDaniel explores the relationships that exist between contemporary art and the sciences. Some of the dynamics explored include artists as amateur scientists, artists’ use of scientific tools and materials, and the visual culture of science. Read the full article here (University of Chicago affiliates only).