Secrets of Creation

By Robin Mackay | Publisher: MIT Press

About the book

An artist and a mathematician debate, find common ground, and jointly create an assemblage that is neither (or both) an artwork and a mathematical model.

A week-long residency project brought together artist Conrad Shawcross and mathematician Matthew Watkins to reflect on the ways in which artists use (or misuse) scientific and mathematical concepts. Secrets of Creation documents this fascinating meeting of worlds, presenting both the week's discussions and debates, and the project upon which Shawcross and Watkins subsequently embarked.

Navigating a route that tacked between formalism and natural language, experts and laymen, quantity and quality, poetics and mechanics, Shawcross and Watkins gradually forged a shared discourse in which the concerns of the artist and those of the mathematician could find a common ground. The project ended with their joint creation of an assemblage that was neither (or both) an artwork and a mathematical model.

Editions of Secrets of Creation

Paperback
ISBN 9780957529519
EBook
ISBN 9781913029890

Read an Excerpt

An artist and a mathematician debate, find common ground, and jointly create an assemblage that is neither (or both) an artwork and a mathematical model.

A week-long residency project brought together artist Conrad Shawcross and mathematician Matthew Watkins to reflect on the ways in which artists use (or misuse) scientific and mathematical concepts. Secrets of Creation documents this fascinating meeting of worlds, presenting both the week's discussions and debates, and the project upon which Shawcross and Watkins subsequently embarked.

Navigating a route that tacked between formalism and natural language, experts and laymen, quantity and quality, poetics and mechanics, Shawcross and Watkins gradually forged a shared discourse in which the concerns of the artist and those of the mathematician could find a common ground. The project ended with their joint creation of an assemblage that was neither (or both) an artwork and a mathematical model.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Secrets of Creation about?

An artist and a mathematician debate, find common ground, and jointly create an assemblage that is neither (or both) an artwork and a mathematical model.

A week-long residency project brought together artist Conrad Shawcross and mathematician Matthew Watkins to reflect on the ways in which artists use (or misuse) scientific and mathematical concepts. Secrets of Creation documents this fascinating meeting of worlds, presenting both the week's discussions and debates, and the project upon which Shawcross and Watkins subsequently embarked.

Navigating a route that tacked between formalism and natural language, experts and laymen, quantity and quality, poetics and mechanics, Shawcross and Watkins gradually forged a shared discourse in which the concerns of the artist and those of the mathematician could find a common ground. The project ended with their joint creation of an assemblage that was neither (or both) an artwork and a mathematical model.

What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Secrets of Creation?

The Arts > The arts: general topics > Theory of art

Where can I read a sample of Secrets of Creation?

You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780957529519

Is Secrets of Creation part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?

Yes it is a part of series Urbanomic / Redactions

Who is/are the Author/s of the book Secrets of Creation?

Robin Mackay

Who is the Publisher of the book Secrets of Creation?

MIT Press

What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?

Secrets of Creation is available as paperback(ISBN 9780957529519) and ebook(ISBN 9781913029890)

Where can I buy Secrets of Creation online or support local independent bookshops?

You can buy Secrets of Creation from below

Where can I buy Secrets of Creation?