Science Vision

I was recently on a Zoom session with several friends who also enjoy abstract multiple-exposure photography. We were showing each other images that we were working on and telling each other what we saw in them. And, of course, everyone tends to see something different within abstracts, often related to the viewer’s interests, upbringing, and a host of other individual factors.

As we were discussing the images, I realized that most of what I saw or imagined in their photos had a scientific basis. I saw particle collisions, energy levels, wormholes, and various other things based on science and science fiction. It made me start to wonder if I was subconsciously being directed this way. As I looked through some of my own images, I realized that I was seeing those things in my own work as well. This was undoubtedly related to my science background.

Perhaps that is why I had called this image “Atoms Colliding”

“Atoms Colliding” © Howard Grill

In this black-and-white version of the same image, I am seeing the screen where particle collisions are visualized in a super-collider, with new particles coming into and out of existence.

“Particle Creation” © Howard Grill

While working on the image below, the idea of String Theory popped into my head. This theory, in short, proposes that all particles might be made of small ‘strings’ vibrating at different frequencies.

“String Theory” © Howard Grill

And lastly, at least for this post, is this image which reminded me of the idea of gravitational waves.

“Gravitational Waves” © Howard Grill

Recognizing the scientific thread I was seeing in my abstracts stemmed from my saying out loud what it was that I saw in them. It was an interesting observation into myself. It might be worth your giving it a try as well and seeing if there is any underlying consistency in what you see in your work (even if that work is not based in abstraction). You can even try it on these images, as what I see is unlikely to be what you see.

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