Rebecca Kamen: Fundamental Forces

February 17, 2015 - July 6, 2015

National Academy of Sciences, 2101 Constitution Ave., N.W.

Photo ID required. No charge.

Viewable 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. Closed weekends and holidays.

The title "Fundamental Forces" refers to the four fundamental forces in physics: gravity, electromagnetism, and strong and weak nuclear interactions. Inspired by the process of scientific discovery, Rebecca Kamen investigates scientific drawings and writings from rarely seen manuscripts that form the basis for our understanding of these fundamental forces. Her work reflects how the ideas of science permeate all areas of human endeavor--including art.

Kamen's work is informed by wide ranging research into cosmology, history, philosophy, and various scientific fields. Through residencies and research opportunities, she has investigated rare scientific books and manuscripts at the libraries of the American Philosophical Society, the Chemical Heritage Foundation, the Center for Astrophysics, and the Cajal Institute in Madrid, using these significant scientific collections as a catalyst in the creation of her work.

Based in Virginia, Kamen is the recipient of a Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Professional Fellowship, a Pollock-Krasner Foundation Fellowship, two Strauss Fellowships, and a Travel Grant from the Chemical Heritage Foundation. She was recently an artist in residence in the neuroscience program at the National Institutes of Health. Kamen is the first visual artist selected for "Nifty Fifty," a program of the USA Science and Engineering Festival that creates opportunities for role models in science and engineering to speak to area high school and middle school students.

This exhibition features nine sculptures, five paintings, and one sculpture/sound installation with a soundscape by Susan Alexjander. It is organized by Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences in celebration of the centennial of Einstein's Theory of General Relativity. 

Visit Rebecca Kamen's website.