English version

To be here and there: general relativity and quantum physics
deadline September 15th

[Plastik Art&Science]
http://art-science.univ-paris1.fr/

The first volume of [Plastik] on line brings together and confronts the experiences of artists who illustrate, complete and enrich one of the most important ongoing debates in physics today, i.e. the incompatibility of quantum theory with general relativity. General relativity is a geometric theory of gravitation, now part of numerous applications. Amongst these, the GPS has a temporal correction algorithm which is based on the general theory of relativity. Although the theory of relativity is able to describe the Universe to a large extent, it does not, however, fit in with the Standard Model (and its extensions) of particle physics. Quantum physics, on the other hand, can describe the Universe on a microscopic level, and depends on the notion of wave-particule duality (quantum particles behave as waves and as particles). The fundamental forces are transmitted by particles called "interacting quanta". The applications of quantum physics are omnipresent in post-industrial society, most notably through the transistor, the fundamental device on which all computers and electronic systems are based, but also through LASERs and nanotechnology.

Some innovative theories, such as the quantum theory of gravitation, string theory and their extensions, mark a new way of thinking of a complete description of the Universe. The utopian goal consists of unifying these two pillars of modern science which are the most evolved and the most apt to explain the Universe. In this view it would indeed be possible to bring about every physicist's dream of unifying in a single theory the ultimate equation that could explain the Universe.

Just like physicists, some artists attempt to interpret what is infinitely large, while others base their artworks on the infinitely small. The epistemological approaches and visual means used by artists to obtain such objectives are radically different.

Artists of today are concerned by the applications of locative media, as well as questions of energy, electromagnetic fields and the consequences of time-space curvature. Independently of any direct collaboration with scientists, avant-garde artists of every era have been confronted to the progress of science and its techniques, as well as that of languages that are inevitably created for their use. Nowadays the same kind of artist continues to search for the artistic specificity of scientific discovery, and the possibilities of combinations and hybridisation between art and science. The sciences have an active influence on art, but are also decrypted, explored, diverted and influenced by artists. The relationship between art and science, which we aim to analyse through this publication, can take the form of: a collaboration between artists and scientists ? appropriation and exploration of scientific procedures by artists ? visual propositions echoing the scientific problems ? scientific research based on a hypothesis formulated through a work of art.

Deadline for articles:

Please send your articles by email to plastic.art.science@gmail.com before the 15th of September, 2009.