The Exploratorium, sand, and Ned Kahn

A few years agoI
reportedon my visit to San Francisco’sExploratorium, a place of wonder for,
as they say, “children of all ages.” It has now moved to a brand-new facility on
the city’s piers, and I have to admit that I am excited at the idea – as yet
that’s all it is – of seeing it. A number of the exhibits which, unsurprisingly,
I found particularly fascinating, were the works of Ned Kahn. Onhis websitehe has this statement:

The confluence of science and art has fascinated me throughout my career. For
the last twenty years, I have developed a body of work inspired by atmospheric
physics, geology, astronomy and fluid motion. I strive to create artworks that
enable viewers to observe and interact with natural processes. I am less
interested in creating an alternative reality than I am in capturing, through my
art, the mysteriousness of the world around us.
My artworks frequently incorporate flowing water, fog, sand and light to
create complex and continually changing systems. Many of these works can be seen
as “observatories” in that they frame and enhance our perception of natural
phenomena. I am intrigued with the way patterns can emerge when things flow.
These patterns are not static objects, they are patterns of behavior – recurring
themes in nature.

In my humble view, Kahn succeeds brilliantly and compellingly in capturing
“the mysteriousness of the world around us.” Go to his website and enjoy – and,
if you can, go to the Exploratorium.

[Works shown: Avalanche, Sonic Range, Fluvial Storm.] SIGNATURE

Comments

Richard Bready (2013-07-26):

These are lovely, thank you, praise to him. The videos on his Website are entrancing; why is flow hypnotic, and so pleasing? A topic for the neuroscientists.
Of flow and the Exploratorium, here is another work made on the roof of its new facility:
http://vimeo.com/32095756

Originally published at: https://throughthesandglass.typepad.com/through_the_sandglass/2013/07/the-exploratorium-sand-and-ned-kahn.html