TED Blog
The art of science: Stunning, psychedelic images from Fabian Oefner
Aurora No. 01
(2013) This image illustrates the combustion of alcohol. A flame is
stopped in time as it travels through a glass bottle, containing whiskey
and oxygen. More starting at 7:39 in Oefner’s talk.
Fabian Oefner: Psychedelic scienceFormally
trained in art and design, Oefner says that he has always been
interested in science. Though he can’t pinpoint the exact moment when he
became interested in pairing his two loves, he views both pursuits as
inextricably linked by a crucial bond: “The most important quality of
science or art is curiosity,” Oefner tells the TED Blog. “That’s what
keeps me going and always finding something new.”On the TED stage, Oefner demonstrates the science at work behind three of his photographs. As he explains his process, the mystical quality of the images gives way to understanding. But how important to him is it that the casual viewer of his artwork know the underlying scientific principles? Actually, not very. “I’m not too didactic about my work. If people just want to appreciate it for its beauty, that’s absolutely fine,” he tells us. “And if I present it without an explanation, people tend to come up with their own, which is often even more poetic.”
For an imagination-friendly, explanation-free viewing of Oefner’s work, watch the first 45 seconds of his talk. For viewers who’d rather forego the poetry in favor of learning, here are 10 close-up views of Oefner’s fascinating work – and, just as fascinatingly, how he made it. This gallery includes works from series both new and old (the first three are the examples featured in the talk), inspired by everything from scientific papers to household chores.
Dancing Colors “The Pillar”
(2013) This is a visualization of sound. Colored crystals leap from the
surface of a speaker as it emits sound waves. More starting at 2:13 in
Oefner’s talk.
Millefiori No. 01
(2012) Ferrofluid is a magnetic, hydrophobic liquid that forms colorful
curves and channels when deposited onto a magnet and injected with
watercolor paints. More starting at 5:20 in Oefner’s talk.
Grain of Scent
(2013) Tiny individual droplets of a liquid mixed with spray paint hang
in the air for a fraction of a second, forming a scent sculpture.
Marbelous No. 05
(2013) An unusual look at the properties of oil, as colorful marbles of
oil paint float in a solution of water and methylated spirits.
Black Hole No. 07 (2013) An illustration of centrifugal force. Paint whirls outward from a metal rod attached to a spinning power drill.
Iridient No. 03 (2012) A floating soap bubble is captured at the moment it bursts, and surface tension is broken.
Nebula No. 10
(2011) This is a $10 illusion of the universe. The glowing ends of a
fiberglass lamp are swirled to create a likeness of stars and galaxies
using long exposure photography.
Blue Danube (2013) Light breaks at the grooves in the tracks of a vinyl record.
Vanishing Beauty
(2012) Powders can behave like fluids. Here, corn starch hangs in the
air momentarily, retaining its shape, as the balloon surrounding it is
popped.
