Lecture: Imagining black holes
The French astrophysicist, writer and visual artist Jean-Pierre Luminet operates at the intersection of art and science. The work of the Dutch artist M.C. Escher helped him to get a grip on the complex optical phenomena surrounding a black hole.
In 1978 he succeeded in creating the first realistic representation of a black hole (and its surroundings). Conversely, in a recent book about the starry skies in Vincent van Gogh's paintings, Luminet uses science to gain insight into the art.
On this day we organize two special lectures about the intersection of art and science. After the lectu…
In 1978 he succeeded in creating the first realistic representation of a black hole (and its surroundings). Conversely, in a recent book about the starry skies in Vincent van Gogh's paintings, Luminet uses science to gain insight into the art.
On this day we organize two special lectures about the intersection of art and science. After the lectures, until 6 p.m., there is an opportunity for a drink. The first lecture (2:30 PM - 3:30 PM) is a duo presentation. Luminet first talks about his groundbreaking depiction of the black hole. Science historian Emilie Skulberg then places this work in the broader context of the history of imagining black holes - from the first scribbles that appeared after the publication of Einstein's theory of relativity, to the 'photo' of the black hole that was world news in 2019. Skulberg uses insights from art history. During the second lecture of the day (4:00 PM - 5:00 PM), Luminet will speak more broadly about his work at the intersection of art and science. During this lecture, lithographs - artistic representations of cosmological themes - will be shown that Luminet recently donated to Rijksmuseum Boerhaave.
About the speakers:
Emilie Skulberg received her PhD from the University of Cambridge in 2021 with a thesis on the historical background of the first image of a black hole from 2019. Her entry in a competition at Teylers Museum, based on this research, was recently awarded an honorary medal. She is a postdoc at the Niels Bohr Archive (affiliated with the University of Copenhagen).
Jean-Pierre Luminet specialized as an astrophysicist in black holes and cosmology. He is emeritus research director of the CNRS (Centre national de la recherche scientifique). Luminet has published various scientific books, historical novels and poetry collections, and works as a visual artist and musician. In his most recent book Les nuits étoilées de Vincent van Gogh, Luminet examines Vincent van Gogh's painted starry skies.
Practical information:
Language: Both lectures are in English. When: This public meeting will take place on Friday, September 13, 2024. The first lecture (the duo lecture) is from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM. The second lecture (by Jean-Pierre Luminet) is from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. There is an opportunity for a drink until 6 p.m.
These lectures take place as part of the Days of Art & Science. Experience the exciting connection between art and science during the Days of Art & Science, September 12 - 18, 2024, in Leiden!
Prices
- €7.50