The power of art to convey complex ideas is being taken to the subatomic level in a new form of collaboration between physicists at the University of Glasgow and a local artist
Gregor Harvie approached the university’s Quantum Theory Group to seek advice on his current work exploring the nature of the universe.
Combining a background in science and art Harvie is well-placed to approach the confounding world of the very small, exploring new ways of looking at aspects of nature which are not fully understood.
The approach has already paid off with Harvie being commissioned by the university to create an installation of two large paintings of the ‘light’ and ‘dark’ universe as a celebration of the bicentenary of Lord Kelvin.
Standing in confrontation across from each other in a purpose-built space within the Advanced Research Centre the richly patterned paintings represent the intricate latticework from which space and time gain their meaning.
Harvie said: “There is more common ground between science and art than you might think. Both are a search for patterns, for things that are recognisable and repeatable, and ultimately, progress in either requires a leap of the imagination.
“Both paintings explore the idea that the universe is made up of patterns, of repeating forms, interacting with each other, and that the result of those interactions are the things we see and feel.”
The paintings will be formally unveiled on 8 June.