Daniel has provided her with numerous slides and additional conceptual ideas, which illustrate the parallels between art and science to further supplement her presentations. In September of 1999, Cathy Horellou invited Oberti to speak at the Onsala Space Observatory. His presentation "Spheres of Influence" elaborated further on the poster he presented at INSAP II, and his collaboration with Sundin over the subsequent year.
"Not often does one encounter an artist who not
only experiences a fascination for the universe similar in many ways to
that of scientific researchers, but at the same time is
able to express this relationship in such a wonderful
way."
Cathy Horellou, PhD, Onsala Space Observatory,
Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden.
While presenting works and speaking to scientists and researchers, Oberti was asked why his works did not include more current discoveries in the scientific world. This provocative question was another component that led to further discussions with Sundin and it helped Oberti to realise a new opportunity to forge ahead and make a commitment to create new works based on Sundin's discoveries of the intricate and fascinating orbits of certain stars in barred galaxies.
Galaxies are the universe's largest single objects. Many of them, including the Milky Way, are disk shaped. Some of the disk galaxies have barred shaped centers, and during the 1990's it was discovered that it might be that the majority of the disc galaxies have bars. There are strong indications that the Milky Way is a barred galaxy. Using computer simulations to model and investigate barred galaxies, Sundin has found that the bar is built by stars moving in many different orbits. The shape of the bar and the evolution of the galaxy is determined by these orbits or, more poetically, by the dances of the stars. The orbits -- dances -- of the stars can be fairly regular, looking like diamonds, flowers, triangles, etc, and some appear totally chaotic. Looking at them, one is constantly reminded of the fantastic patterns nature creates in small scales as well as vast. Some of Sundin's current work - research consists of trying to teach computers to classify these patterns into different categories according to their shapes. They can be distinguished by, e.g., their frequencies, energies, cusps and loops, and it is a challenge for Oberti to interpret all these things. Oberti began by sketching these patterns in clay and found this led to the birthing of large platters, which served as a canvas to interpret Sundin's simulations in an artistic and sculptural format. The new works present cutting edge discoveries of star paths within the scope of a most ancient art form, that of potterymaking and sculpture. The "Star Dancers" project is a provocative enhancement of our collaboration and continued communications lead to a continued and sustained development of our project. For Sundin, this is an entirely new way to reach a wider audience with her new research results. For Oberti, an expansive and creative explosion of new works which pay homage to astronomical themes from the archaic to the contemporary.
In addition, Oberti has contacted Dr. Salvatore Serio, our host of INSAP III, who has consented to assist him by locating a suitable gallery or exhibition venue in Palermo to present the new works as an addition to INSAP III. It would be good for Maria and Daniel to make a short presentation of the collaboration illustrated with slides of Maria's research and Daniel's artistic interpretations. Daniel's work is also suitable for a poster presentation. His Website is http://www.danieloberti.com