Mathur, Shivani "Pathways of Light." MFA
, UAL, 2022
Keywords/Fields of Study : Infinite, zero, pathways of light, cracks, relationships, physics, Vedanta, philosophy, mathematics, pattern, world order
Abstract:
This research paper, ‘Pathways of Light’ is a study of cracks and non linear phenomena. Cracks in us, in our relationships and in our surroundings.
The underlying question it addresses is how rationality turns into irrationality and how something small takes on momentum to acquire scale. Cracks that are barely visible, suddenly widen and cause seismic shifts and disruption.
Our glaciers are melting away at an accelerating rate, a calm rational person suddenly turn irrational and financial markets suddenly turn chaotic.
The paper begins with the hypothesis that increasing awareness of these cracks will create efficient systems that avoid chaos and shocks and expand our ability to look beyond boundaries and classifications that bog us down.
The paper further explores how these shifts do not necessarily have negative consequences - it reinterprets cracks, not as fault lines, but as pathway that bring in light. fresh thinking and topples old paradigms to bring in a new world order.
The interaction between us and our surroundings is analyzed as a field of mutual influences in which boundaries between what is visible and what is invisible constantly shift, crack and merge.
The research draws on mathematics, quantum physics and an ancient Indian philosophy, Vedanta. Through physics it explores the relationships between particles at a quantum level. Through mathematics, it studies how patterns form and how they deviate. Through Vedant it contemplates on the shifting boundaries of what is seen and what remains unseen, yet continues to impact us in the most fundamental ways.
The choice of art as a medium for this complex, multi layer investigation of invisibility is not accidental. Science and finance, where my previous experience lies, are detailed, repeatable and logical. Ironically, sometimes, too much focus can make us lose focus.
The artwork that has emerged from this research makes cracks the focal point as an entry point for light to shine through. It is made with all recycled materials - eggshell retrieve from waste, mirror sheets that were heading to landfill and clay that is filled with impurities and unfit for making ceramics.
Department: MA Art and Science
, UAL
Advisor(s): Sheena Calvert
