The Gallery of the Physicists
24 portraits narrating the history of physics from the beginning of modern age around the year of 1500 up to the threshold of atomic era, from invention of heliocentric system until the battering of the atom. These are subdivided into 6 chapters – titled under: The Star Voyagers – The Warmth Breeders – The Wave Surfers – The Material Disrupters – The Liquidators – The Jugglers Each of these titles is represented by 4 outstanding physicists, who are responsible for the progressing disclosures of nature’s secrets. They are those conducted through their minds, their creative interpretations of the observed facts; Developing theories based upon these, which explained the phenomenon’s and integrated coherencies; And who’s ideas lead to new technical possibilities. Therefore the continuous advancement of the technical possibilities permitted and permits a more precise view and a more detailed re-evaluation, over and over again. Vice versa these also nourish the development potential of technology. At nearly all times technical utilisation of physical perceptions lead to military use. Therefore the series of portraits ends with the battering of the atom, because through development of the atomic bomb a boarder was crossed - Beyond this boarder the damage for mankind, which was accounted by science, becomes greater than benefit can be. This arbitrarily step, decoding of nature is a progressive motion on all levels from the universe to the micro cosmos. Physics is the base of all natural sciences; it is the foundation for our knowledge of a modern image of the material world. Physical cerebration influences our awareness and navigates our perception and our philosophy as far as to the most trivial corner of our minds. In attempt of measuring this was the origination of this series. The materiality of the 24 portraits is best comparable with icons, all displayed are icons of human history. They are panel paintings, individually not overly sized, but however substantially large. Picture panels are discarded chipboard shelves, which are zinc plated. The portraits are collaged from pages of colourful magazines on this opalescent surface. Copper pipes frame the panels.