Although a different medium to the one I am working with, Kysa Johnson has produced work that combines the science behind quantum mechanics and art. Her artworks are based on the patterns created by sub-atomic particles and string theory and combined to create intricate illustrations from the patterns.

Sub-atomic patterns – Kysa Johnson

Sub-atomic decay patterns illustration – Kysa Johnson

Kysa is a multimedia artist who “explores patterns in nature that exist at the extremes of scale,” or realities “invisible to the naked eye.” (Artsy, 2014). Her work is based on visualizations of the macro- and microscopic. I hope to explore similar themes in this next project. My particular focus is combining real scientific data from particle physics into an immersive AV installation. I particularly like the way Kysa has combined the two in her work.

Sub-atomic decay patterns – Kysa Johnson

I am currently reading The Quantum Universe: Everything that can happen does happen by Brian Cox and Jeff Forshaw. Although quite complex at times I feel it’s helped me grasp some of the theories in quite a visual way. Some parts of the book I felt could be possibly integrated into my work were the Feynman diagrams that show predictions for sub-atomic particle behaviour. I was thinking of ways these patterns could be integrated to control possible projected and interactive particles.

Feynmann Diagram

Kysa Johnsons combination of real data and art help to show the underlying patterns of the universe in a visually stunning way. The sub-atomic world is a very strange place and the movements and interactions of particles are almost beyond comprehension. These underlying particles create the universe and hold everything together. It’s hard to visualise this. Kysa has integrated these into her work in a manner that allows a wide audience to experience these visualisations in a way which may be more meaningful than just mathematical diagrams.

• artsy.net: Kysa Johnson Available at: <https://artsy.net/artist/kysa-johnson> [Accessed 19 March 2014]
• Feinstein, L: Turning The Science Behind String Theory Into Immersive Murals Available at: <http://thecreatorsproject.vice.com/blog/forget-the-matrix-visualize-the-real-life-equations-that-bind-us> [Accessed 18 March 2014]
• Forshaw, J & Cox, B. 2012. The Quantum Universe: Everything that can happen does happen. London, Penguin Books.
• Johnson, K: kysajohnson.com Available at: <http://www.kysajohnson.com> [Accessed 19 March 2014]