All great achievements of science must start from intuitive knowledge; wrote Albert Einstein. In Structural Intuitions; a fascinating exploration of the commonalities between two seemingly disparate realms; renowned art historian Martin Kemp applies Einsteins notion both to science and to art. Kemp argues that in both fields; work begins at the intuitive level; curiosity aroused by our recognition of patterns or order. Kemps "structural intuitions;" then; are the ways we engage fundamental perceptual and cognitive mechanisms to bring order to our observed world. Through stimulating juxtaposition; Kemp considers connections between naturally occurring patterns; cognitive processes; and artistic and scientific expression; drawing on an array of examples from the Renaissance through the present. Taking a broadly historical approach; Kemp examines forms and processes such as the geometry of Platonic solids; the dynamics of growth; and the patterns of fluids in motion; while placing the work of contemporary artists; engineers; and scientists in dialogue with that of visionaries such as Leonardo da Vinci and DArcy Thompson. Richly illustrated; lucidly written; and wonderfully thought-provoking; Structural Intuitions is essential reading for anyone seeking insight into common ground in the arts and sciences.
2016-01-15 2016-01-15File Name: B01B1XN6KK
Review
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful. Punkrock Academia?By Steven J. KarpTheres been a slew of books coming out attempting to document and even intellectualize the punkrock and subsequent hardcore punk movements and scenes in America; either nationally; regionally or even locally. In this particular book; the author seems torn between presenting a who-what-where-when sort of book; and a sociological treatise aimed at academics. Great care is taken to present the reader with the geographic; economic and social history of southern California; and then to relate those histories to youth cultures in these same regions. In terms of the various bands and their fans; much of the information presented wont be new to folks who may have read American Hardcore or Spraypaint the Walls. Theres less emphasis on presenting a history of the bands and music itself; and more of an attempt to explain how the environment and culture of southern California itself influenced the bands and music.If youre looking for a blow-by-blow or year-by-year development of SoCal underground music; this isnt really that book. The book reads like a good term paper written by a fan of the music for a sociology course; and is backed up with a wealth of information that attempts to explain to someone at an academic level what all the fuss with those punkers was about. This is an interesting book to read in conjunction with other books that examine the bands and musicians and scene in more detail. Its a relatively short book and a quick read- fans of the music itself might find themselves skipping over some of the more academic history in an attempt to get to information on the music and bands. But; its well worth reading all the information presented to get a view of the music from a loftier perspective than the front of the stage.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Just what I expected!By ANgiELove love love this book although not finished with it yet! The photographs in the book are awesome and its very well written.0 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Four StarsBy CMGreat book and right-on the money;I lived it here in Madison ;Wi.
