Art & Physics: Parallel Visions in Space, Time, and Light

I have lent this book out many times and I never seem to get it back. I purchased another copy not too long ago as I intend to give it another read since it's been so long since I've read it (maybe 20 years or so). I was naturally attracted to the title as I love reading about both art and physics. So, seeing them together in one book sounded like too much fun.I have read another one of this author's books titled THE ALPHABET VERSUS THE GODDESS that was also thought-provoking. I bought it without realizing it was the same author. I also have one more on my shelf that I haven't read of his titled SEX TIME & POWER. I like this author because he asks "what if" and just sets about diving deep into what he wonders about.In a nutshell, this book is about SEEING THE WORLD IN A NEW WAY and how artists see it first and then science follows. The author uses primarily paintings as his artistic examples juxtaposed against revolutionary physicist discoveries. He shows example after example throughout history: Da Vinci + Newton and Matisse + Heisenberg and Picasso + Einstein to name a few.How we see the world in a new way is right up there with the meaning of life for me as far as things to muse. It fascinates me for several reasons ~ one being that most of what we believe to be the TRUTH won't hold water in 1,000 years. Another is that which is within any one person that allows them to not only see beyond the illusion that we all accept as the truth but also to say it out loud knowing that it may cost them their head. And finally what are those eternal truths that will still be deemed true in 1,000 years (and does that make them truth or fiction in 10,000 years). Often I side with questions on this matter of truth or fiction. A REALLY GOOD QUESTION SEEMS MORE ETERNAL THAN MOST GREAT ANSWERS. And, more interesting to be honest.This book is also filled with great quotes and points of view from great writers, artists, scientists and other visionaries throughout history. The author shows how literature and music were also in the mix ~ there seems to be a sort of SYNCHRONICITY when it comes to seeing the world in a new way just as there seems to be some of this when it comes to scientific discoveries. Before news moved at lightning speed, it was interesting how people from different parts of the world were seeing the same things at around the same times. This leads one to wonder if everything we are to discover has already been discovered or perhaps is just waiting for us to have new eyes in which to see what has been there all along. It's also not that unusual to muse that people from different fields ~ that are curious and brave enough to see something new will express it in their own way (art, science, literature, etc).It could be as simple as an idea that's time has come suddenly reveals itself to all of us as plain as the full moon in a clear night sky and yet it is only a few that can see it. Maybe in the end, it only takes a willingness to ask "WHAT IF" and a spirit daring enough to say "WHY NOT."I may add to this review when I take this book for another spin. While the detail has eluded me, the impression this book made upon is with me still.

I am not a scholar in these subjects, but I am an avid reader, thinker, and idea tinkerer. If you're someone who gets caught up on details and technicality, this book probably isn't for you. If you have your Master's in Art or Physics, you'll probably get too caught up in the technical details to appreciate this style of writing. Shlain is vague, and at times makes some assertions that are a little far-fetched, but I think the point of this book is to make you think of things in a different way, not necessarily to teach you to think certain things.You don't need to accept every part of this book, or any book for that matter. I think it's important to read things like this that challenge you to look at the world in a different way. I think Shlain does a good job of that if you are open to it.This book had a couple of main takeaways for me:- Physics are Art are two disciplines that explain the world in non-verbal terms. It's nearly impossible for people to understand Physics without Math, and it's nearly impossible for someone to say in words what a good artist can express in Art. Both disciplines explain the same Universe and Human Experience in different ways.- Art has the advantage of not being weighed down by the technical details of math & science. Art is intuitive. Therefore, artists typically are ahead of their time in expressing new cultural ideas. That doesn't mean they have a mystical power. Good artists are acute observers and their art speaks for itself.- Lots of fun and interesting stories in the book that make it very engaging. It does take a couple of chapters to get going.Currently reading Shlain's other book -- The Alphabet & The Goddess. He has a similar tendency here to have slightly weak arguments, but the point of these books isn't necessarily to convince you that his theories are absolutely correct, I think. The point is more to show people that these things are very real forces and factors to the whole picture. He admits in both books to not showing the whole picture or alternate theories due to the limitations of a single book. I highly recommend this book to the curious mind. Doesn't mean you need to accept every theory and idea put forth in this...or any book!