There would be no art without science, as the development of scientific disciplines also opens up new ways of artistic expression.
Z verejných zdrojov formou štipendia podporil Fond na podporu umenia.
DECORATIVE INTERIOR OBJECT
[vase]
A decorative-utility object made of uranium glass, inspired by the connection of science and art and their common interactions and relationships. The unusual shape of this utility object and the placement of its neck in a horizontal position denies the basic principles
[vase]
A decorative-utility object made of uranium glass, inspired by the connection of science and art and their common interactions and relationships. The unusual shape of this utility object and the placement of its neck in a horizontal position denies the basic principles
of gravity. Thus, instead of standing, the object lies amorphously like a liquid mass arousing interest in its function. The crystal glass contains an admixture of 2% of radioactive uranium from nuclear industry waste. In this way the work acquires a subtext of the urgency of applying the principles of sustainability and environmental aspects in innovative contemporary design. There is a noticeable paradox between the usefulness of
the object and its light abilities. The author combines the transparency of crystal-clear glass with the radiant greenery of uranium glass. Inside the mass of material, she thus fi nds bonds forged under the high temperatures of traditional production. This project is an establishment of cooperation with traditional glass workshops, which is based on quality manual work and principles of sustainable production. The futuristic design predetermines this object to be the central element of the interior where it is placed. It is an experiment underlining the common context and connection of art and several scientifi c disciplines such as chemistry, optics, physics, history, aesthetics, and the like. With its properties, it infl uences the refl ection on the concept of a whole, when any imbalance can a ect other aspects of our lives.
the object and its light abilities. The author combines the transparency of crystal-clear glass with the radiant greenery of uranium glass. Inside the mass of material, she thus fi nds bonds forged under the high temperatures of traditional production. This project is an establishment of cooperation with traditional glass workshops, which is based on quality manual work and principles of sustainable production. The futuristic design predetermines this object to be the central element of the interior where it is placed. It is an experiment underlining the common context and connection of art and several scientifi c disciplines such as chemistry, optics, physics, history, aesthetics, and the like. With its properties, it infl uences the refl ection on the concept of a whole, when any imbalance can a ect other aspects of our lives.
This decorative design product combines traditional handwork and secondary ecological use of the material (upcycling). The uranium used in the creation of the product is a waste material from nuclear industry. Such uranium processing is only possible in two places in the world, in the Czech Republic and in the USA. It is a unique piece of art with a certifi cate of authenticity by a talented Slovak designer, Annamária Mikulik, holder of the prestigious A ́Design Award for 2018 - 2019.
URANIUM
Uranium is a chemical element in the periodic table of elements that has the symbol U and the proton number 92. The element was discovered in 1789 by Martin Heinrich Klaproth, a German chemist. It was isolated in pure form in 1841 by Eugene-Melchior Peligot. It was named after the then newly discovered planet Uranus. Uranium in its pure state is a silver-white shiny metal, which gradually darkens (oxidises) when exposed to oxygen. Ground
to a powder, it is self-igniting. When heated, it is fi rst brittle, at higher temperatures it becomes plastic and can be forged or rolled. It is about 70% heavier than lead. The density (specific gravity) of uranium at 20°C is about 19g/cm3. It is one of the heaviest elements.
to a powder, it is self-igniting. When heated, it is fi rst brittle, at higher temperatures it becomes plastic and can be forged or rolled. It is about 70% heavier than lead. The density (specific gravity) of uranium at 20°C is about 19g/cm3. It is one of the heaviest elements.
URANIUM GLASS
Large-scale production of uranium glass began in the mid 19th century, but the history of uranium glass dates back to the Middle Ages. The fi nding of a mosaic in a Roman villa in
the Gulf of Naples shows that ancient technology has almost forgotten for eighteen centuries. Using isotope analysis, it was confi rmed that the coloured uranium glass was made in 79 BC. In the 19th century, after the discovery of uranium-containing compounds in silver mines in Jáchymov, M. H. Klaproth carried out successful experiments on staining glass. Uranium thus began to be used as a dye in local famous glass production. These exceptional fl uorescent glass products were luxury goods that only the elites could a ord. The taste of danger and the privilege of using a technologically perfect new material quickly gained popularity in the creation of utility and decorative-artistic products around the world, which continues to this day. Even though uranium glass contains 2% uranium, the doses it radiates to its surroundings are negligible. Our bodies are exposed to a much more intense efect of natural radioactivity on a daily basis, for example from cosmic radiation. Uranium glass glows the most intensely under the infl uence of ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of about 360nm.
the Gulf of Naples shows that ancient technology has almost forgotten for eighteen centuries. Using isotope analysis, it was confi rmed that the coloured uranium glass was made in 79 BC. In the 19th century, after the discovery of uranium-containing compounds in silver mines in Jáchymov, M. H. Klaproth carried out successful experiments on staining glass. Uranium thus began to be used as a dye in local famous glass production. These exceptional fl uorescent glass products were luxury goods that only the elites could a ord. The taste of danger and the privilege of using a technologically perfect new material quickly gained popularity in the creation of utility and decorative-artistic products around the world, which continues to this day. Even though uranium glass contains 2% uranium, the doses it radiates to its surroundings are negligible. Our bodies are exposed to a much more intense efect of natural radioactivity on a daily basis, for example from cosmic radiation. Uranium glass glows the most intensely under the infl uence of ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of about 360nm.
