Crystalline Nebula
2019
In crystallography, a discipline dedicated to determining the arrangement of atoms in crystalline solids, the crystal structure serves as a blueprint for the ordered placement of atoms, ions, or molecules within a crystalline material. This order arises from the inherent characteristics of constituent particles, forming symmetric patterns that repeat in three-dimensional space. The fundamental repeating unit of this pattern is known as the unit cell, a configuration that perfectly encapsulates the symmetry and structure of the entire crystal. The crystal's overall structure is then constructed through the repetitive translation of the unit cell along its principal axes.
The translation vectors defining the nodes of the Bravais lattice are integral to this process. The lattice constants, or cell parameters, encompass the lengths of the principal axes and the angles between them. The crystal's symmetry properties are characterised by space groups, with a total of 230 known space groups encapsulating all conceivable symmetric arrangements of particles in three-dimensional space. The crystal structure and its inherent symmetry play a pivotal role in influencing various physical properties, including cleavage, electronic band structure, and optical transparency.
In Crystalline Nebula, the exploration of dimensional potentiality and perception builds upon the artistic methods employed in the earlier Beneath the Cryosphere series (2019-2020). Through the use of image-editing software, multiple layers of digitally generated impressions are intricately printed onto the reflective surface of mirror Dibond. The artistic process is then enriched with hand-drawn inclusions in wax pastels and aquarelle. Structured Plexiglas is thoughtfully placed atop the artworks, introducing a visual distortion that invites viewers to interpret the visualisations within each piece through multiple perspectives. This series thus continues to challenge and expand the boundaries of artistic expression within the context of crystalline structures.