Academic Collaborations
The Art of Astrophysics
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Within the heart of every intersection between disciplines, lies an opportunity to unveil mysteries that have eluded singular approaches. This artwork ‘Study for: The Einstein Crucifix’ is the start of an exciting collaboration between me, my business The MoSAIC and Dr Sebastian Von Hausegger, an astrophysics researcher from the University of Oxford.
In this piece, I’ve juxtaposed the iconic imagery of the crucifixion with the Einstein Cross – general relativity revealed through the phenomenon of a gravitationally lensed quasar.
'Study for: The Einstein Crucifix'
Acrylic, India Ink and 24ct Gold Leaf on Paper
59.4 x 42cm
2023
An image of an Einstein Cross taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. Image courtesy of NASA.
This results in a quadruple image, inspiring this modernised crucifix image. The phenomenon of gravitational lensing inspired this painting by which calls us to question the faith we put into scientific theory and compelling us to be prepared to update our own understanding when new evidence is provided.
Sorry Newton!
This artwork is being used to facilitate the teaching of astrophysics research to secondary school children.
Learn more on The MoSAIC workshop page
Fluid dynamics AND FRACTAL PATTERNS
Rey, Katz, Cameron et al. (2023) via YouTube @Cosmicrey7573
My line work, primarily created using India ink has long been inspired by fluid dynamic, in a long term and ongoing bid to recreated the beautiful fractal patterns found in nature. These turbulent patterns can be found on all scales in nature, from a recently extinguished candle’s smoke to outflows of gases from galaxies. This outflow simulation by Dr Martin Rey, Harley Katz and Alex Cameron nicely visualises the patterns I endeavour to portray in my work, only on a galactic scale.
Detail of: ‘Study for: The Einstein Crucifix’
The profits from the sale of prints of this artwork are being used to fund free ‘Art of Astrophysics’ workshops in state-funded schools in the South West of England.
Support my educational outreach
Register your school’s interest in receiving a free workshop
Simplified text
When different subjects come together, they can help us solve big mysteries that one subject alone can't. This artwork called ‘Study for: The Einstein Crucifix’ is a project that brings together the artist me, my education business The MoSAIC, and Dr Sebastian Von Hausegger, a space scientist from the University of Oxford.
In this artwork, I have mixed two famous images: the crucifixion, and something called the Einstein Cross. The Einstein Cross shows how gravity can bend light from a faraway object in space, making it look like four images instead of one. I have used this idea to make a new kind of crucifix picture. This artwork makes us think about how our ideas about space and the universe have changed from the old times of Sir Isaac Newton to the new times of Albert Einstein. It's about how we understand the universe better now but our knowledge is still getting better every day.
This piece of art will be used to help teach 11-16 year olds in the UK about space science.
'Study for: The Einstein Crucifix'
Acrylic, India Ink and 24ct Gold Leaf on Paper
59.4 x 42cm
2023
An image of an Einstein Cross taken by the Hubble Space Telescope. Image courtesy of NASA.
EXPLORE THE Virtual Exhibition
University of Bath
Membranes for Water Purification
Part the Ocean
Gaz Lawrence
Acrylic on Panel
61 cm x 61 cm
2024
As part of an interdisciplinary team, I am exploring alternative forms of science communication such as virtual reality and visual art to share the impact of membranes on our lives.
Working with a team of chemical engineering researchers from the University of Bath and creatives from Bath Spa’s Innovation Hub, The Studio we are liaising with the public to find out ways of captivating them with new technologies that we take for granted.
As part of this collaboration I have created this abstract painting: ‘Part the Ocean’. It is inspired by an electron microscopy image of a graphene oxide membrane. The colour palette and abstract patterns evoke images of sea foam crested ripples. The structure of a membrane becomes the salt water it could make potable.
This year’s Somerscience Festival at Haynes Motor Museum marked the start of this exciting collaboration. A workshop and discussions throughout the day explored how membranes can be made more efficient to purify the drinking water we take for granted. This painting is now part of the Out of Our Heads: Art in Medicine Online exhibition in conjunction with the University of Bristol.
Milky Way Evolution
This N-body simulation of the evolution of our home galaxy, the Milky Way by Jordan Iga inspired a set of 4 digital drawings showing the formation of a spiral galaxy over billions of years from aparent chaos.