Edward Tufte's sculptures of Feynman's diagrams

Next month at Edward Tufte's ET Modern Gallery in New York City, the pioneering information designer will exhibit his incredible sculptures based on physicist Richard Feynman's diagrams of subatomic behavior. These are truly sigils of science. Tufte will provide free tours at the show's opening on Saturday, September 15. From the free downloadable exhibition catalog (PDF):

Feynman diagrams depict the space-time patterns of particles and waves of quantum electrodynamics. These mathematically derived and empirically verified visualizations represent the space-time paths taken by all subatomic particles in the universe.

The resulting conceptual and cognitive art is both beautiful and true. Along with their art, the stainless steel elements of All Possible Photons actually represent something: the precise activities of Nature at her highest resolution.

"All Possible Photons: The Conceptual and Cognitive Art of Feynman Diagrams"

• [naught_for_naught]

  Will there be a PowerPoint presentation?

• [bzishi]

  If you don’t know what a Feynman diagram is, I strongly recommend reading Feynman’s book QED. Feynman diagrams are one of those wonders of science that are so beautiful that you will be astounded. It is like discovering how a rainbow works, but better.

  • [Paul Renault]

    I even more strongly recommend listening to his two intro lectures – on Physics as we understand it so far, and Intro to Quantum Mechanics – available on CD.
    Start here, “The Relation of Mathematics & Physics. Part 1″: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SrHzSGn-I8

    Such a precise and clear speaker.

  • [Jake0748]

    Thanks bzishi, I’ve been on a  Feynman binge lately, and somehow overlooked this book.  Just put it on reserve at the library.  :)

• [crummett]

  I love the description- made of stainless steel and air.

• [Jerry Vandesic]

  His books are absolutely amazing, but I’ve never thought his sculptures were anything but mediocre.   It’s not a good sign when the gallery showing an artist’s work is owned by the artist.

• [neurogami]

  These have been hanging in the gallery for a while. Saw them back in April or June. Interesting in a geeky sort of way but also kind of nerd-kitsch.

• [jellyfishattack]

  Start by reading, “Surely You’re Joking, Mr. Feynman”.

• [Greg Koos]

  The Feynman diagrams looks like they would work well as fractal antenna designs.

• [Ito Kagehisa]

  I put a Feynman diagram into the concrete when I parged the foundation of my barn.  Nobody’s ever noticed.

  • [Jake0748]

     Well, I have just noticed.  And I must say that I have never heard the term “parged” before.  What does it mean?  And surely I am not joking Mr. Kagehisa.
      :)

    • [Antinous / Moderator]

      http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parge_coat

      Also, fancy pargework below.  Probably not used on barn foundations.