Understanding Light

Abstract

The seminar explores light from the perspectives of Physics and Art, opening up new dimensions for collaboration across disciplines by tackling questions such as: What is the origin and nature of light? How does it travel through space and time? How can it be made productive in an artistic sense and what, in turn, can artistic methodologies contribute to experimenting and thinking about light?

Objective

- Learn about the properties of light: intensities, phases, colors, and interactions with matter - Exploring optical effects: reflection, refraction, dispersion - Learn to plan and carry out an art project based on research inputs from other sciences - Enhancing conceptual and interdisciplinary thinking in unusual set-ups - Learn how to cope with unforeseen results and make random events productive for the successful implementation of a project - Fostering communication and presentation skills

Content

In this course, we will set a performative frame for experimentation and exploration. Coupled with experiments in the Dep. of Physics, students will be introduced to concepts such as the origin of light and color, and the interpretation of the optical world that surrounds us to understand what actually gives rise to the effects we see everyday—from butterfly wings and autumn colors to the appearance of buildings and cities. In addition, we will perform practical experiments with basic optical components like lenses, mirrors, and prisms, in order to understand how they can be used to capture images. Inputs by guest lecturers (e.g. on light in photography, anthropology or urban landscapes) are planned. Students will be asked to present related topics. At the end of the semester, the artistic experiments will be presented.

Resources