record

Thesis Info

LABS ID
*removed* 00843
Thesis Title
To what extent can a magnetic field be a metaphorical canvas for new artistic perspectives?
Author
Richard Paton
2nd Author
3rd Author
Degree
MA Art & Science
Year
January 2020
Number of Pages
33
University
UAL Central Saint Martins
Thesis Supervisor
Adrian Holme
Supervisor e-mail
a.holme AT camberwell.arts.ac.uk
Other Supervisor(s)
Nathan Cohen
Language(s) of Thesis
English
Department / Discipline
Art & Science
Languages Familiar to Author
English
URL where full thesis can be found
richardpaton.com/thesis
Keywords
magnetic field, magnetism, metaphor, magneto reception, environment, extinction, Art and Science
Abstract: 200-500 words
Magnetism is a commonly understood phenomenon yet, like water for example, when it is looked at in scientific detail it is of more enigmatic nature. Magnetic fields emanate on cosmic and quantum scales, we are familiar with magnetic fields because we can also observe them on a human scale. Children play with magnets and readily accept this strange, invisible force when first encountered and for many adults it is enough to know that they attract or repel. Magnets are ubiquitous in everyday life, they are in most people’s pockets, on their laps, desks, in their ears, and so on. Magnetic fields are like an invisible glue that hold systems together. Without the Earth’s magnetic field there would be no life on earth. Without magnetic fields there would be no electricity that powers modern life. Considering important moments in history that led to the understanding of magnetism and how it then changed the course of science and culture, I will argue that the earth’s magnetic field can be seen as a metaphor that can shed light on contemporary culture including the environmental crisis we are watching unfold.