Rebecca Kamen
Artists
Rebecca Kamen
Artist / Professor of Art
Northern Virginia Community College
McLean, VA
Statement
As an artist, I am fascinated with the challenges that scientists face in rendering scientific phenomena in dynamic ways. Using static, rare scientific book images as a muse, I create dynamic interpretations of scientific and mathematical observations.
Artworks
Matrix 1
8 1/2" x 8 1/2" x 2 1/2"
Acrylic and graphite on mylar
2008
"Matrix 1" is influenced by the geometric and mathematical structural of all forms in the Universe. It also references scientific models such as astrolabes and globes, created to assist in making the invisible, visible to the viewer. The process of layering graphite and acrylic on mylar, visually portrays the significance of pages in a book, as well as references the dynamics of scientific phenomena. Each layer like a book page, when viewed together creates a complex visual story, giving meaning to form.
Magic Circle of Circles
12" x 12" x 10"
Acrylic and graphite on mylar
2008
"Magic Circle of Circles" is an exploration and meditation on the concept of magic circles and is directly influenced by Ben Franklin’s engraving of the same name. Technically, the sculpture turns Franklin's flat engraving into a three-dimensional, dynamic representation of his mathematical observations about magic circles. The process of layering graphite and acrylic on mylar, visually portrays the significance of pages in a book. Each layer like the page of a book, when viewed together creates a complex visual story, giving meaning to form.