The British paper just released their Christmas book lists. Check out both “Art” and “Science.”
I was intrigued by the new Martin Kemp book, Seen | Unseen: Art, Science, and Intuition from Leonardo to the Hubble Telescope
This book is not a history of art, or a history of science, or even a history of their interaction. Rather, Martin Kemp, the distinguished art historian, traces certain recurring themes in the imagery of art and science that reflect shared “structural intuitions” about the seen and unseen worlds of nature.
Ok, I’m not quite sure what’s meant by that, but I’m willing to read and find out. Kemp goes on:
I have a powerful sense that effective art and science both begin at the points where knowledge breaks down. Visual intuitions are one of the most potent tools we possess for feeling our way into the unknown.
Amen to that! This is definitely one for my Amazon Wishlist (which, in honor of the holiday season, I have just wedged into my sidebar).