Explorations in Classical Magnetism and Contemporary Art –Ambient Magnetic Dipoles: Amplified Mapping of Dipole Moments Through Magnetoresistance Sensors, Analog Differentiation Techniques and Ferromagnetic Fluids and Experiments in Painting with Magnetism

Lewis Z. Liu

presented to the Department of Visual & Environmental Studies
and the Department of Physics
in partial fulfillment of the requirements
for a Bachelor of Arts joint degree with Honors
at Harvard University
on 5 May, 2008
received summa thesis standing and Highest Honors
for present work on 6 June, 2008

revised 15 December, 2008

Abstract

Both physics and the visual arts can be said to generate ways of looking at the universe. Traditional painting, photography, and video use the physical world, as understood and represented through visible light (400-750 nm electromagnetic radiation) as a basis for art-creation. This visual investigation is then mapped onto visible physical objects, such as oil on canvas, film, or silver gelatin print, through the operation of the painter or camera. At the same time physics theories and experiments allows us to understand the fundamental, mostly invisible, structures that govern the world we live in. Just as light permeates our world, so do magnetic fields as created by our planet, by our technology, and even by our bodies. This project endeavors to shift the focus of the physical world seen through visible light to the unseen physical world of magnetic fields with two distinct installations: the first, titled Experiments in Painting with Magnetism, involves exploring painting and mark-making using controlled magnetic fields and a newly developed magnetic-spray technique. The second, titled Ambient Magnetic Dipoles: Amplified Mapping of Dipole Moments Through Magnetoresistance Sensors, Analog Differentiation Techniques and Ferromagnetic Fluids is an active joint laboratory/studio/gallery project that dynamically maps this “magnetic world”, using magnetoresistance sensors, analog differentiation techniques and magnetic coils, onto an artificially constructed magnetic field. These artificially generated fields are then made visible through the exploitation of ferromagnetic fluids. Thus, by exploring a previously unseen part of the world described so far only by physics equations and experimental devices, these two projects integrate the aesthetic experience of an art gallery with the experimental investigations of a physics laboratory.

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