Deep Affinities: Art and Science

Art and science are connected by aesthetic instincts, such as symmetry, balance, and rhythm, which are rooted in early human history and can be seen in the works of artists and scientists throughout history.

Format: Hardback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 25 November 2020
Publisher: Abbeville Press Inc.,U.S.

An in-depth exploration of the profound connections between art and science, delving into the shared instincts that drive these two defining human endeavors. In his captivating book, Philip F. Palmedo, a former physicist turned art writer, unveils how art and science are rooted in a common aesthetic: an appreciation for symmetry, balance, and rhythm; a drive to simplify and abstract natural forms; and a symbolic representation of these forms.

Palmedo takes us on a journey tracing these aesthetic instincts back to early human history, showcasing the remarkable abstract thinking required to create the stone tools and cave paintings of the Paleolithic era. He then proceeds to trace their evolution, highlighting the contributions of renowned artists and scientists such as Gothic cathedral builders, Leonardo da Vinci, Isaac Newton, Einstein, and Picasso.

Throughout the book, Palmedo presents over 125 captivating creations of the Homo genus, ranging from ancient flint hand axes to contemporary abstractions by artists like Hilma af Klint and the James Webb Space Telescope. These illustrations serve as visual metaphors for the ideas discussed, amplifying our understanding of the shared instinct for beauty that permeates both art and science.

By exploring the intricate interplay between these two realms, Palmedo offers a fresh perspective on the relationship between art and science, challenging our preconceptions and revealing the profound ways in which they intersect and inspire one another. This thought-provoking book encourages us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us and to recognize the shared human drive to explore, create, and understand the universe.

Weight: 992g
Dimension: 212 x 261 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780789213785