Tenth International Conference on The Image

Abstract

My practice-based research project “The Quintessence” considers scientific visual imaginary in relation to space exploration, connecting visual material, the role of optical data and the importance of imagination for the development of theoretical scientific research. Looking at the skies is a tradition that goes back to millennia, stressing the human desire to explore the space surrounding our planet. Visual observation has become the key referent to the formulation of theories and hypotheses about the physical, material dynamics of outer space. “The greatest scientists are artists as well” Albert Einstein said. Indeed scientists act often as artists since they use their creativity to envision theories and hypothesis based on optical observation. But what is actually the role of space images in our understanding of the universe? How do they embed information? How do scientists extract knowledge from them and formulate theories about the universe? How does creativity plays a part in this process? What are the borderlines between truth and fictional content in these images? And finally, how do we deal with the aesthetic and pictorial representation of space they present? My proposed intervention for the 10th Image Conference will be to realize an original workshop on this topic, where through slide shows and a performative talk I will explore these questions and find some possible answers with reference to visual and cultural studies and philosophy of science essays.