To create my art work, I obtained a wooden canvas from an art store and used basic acrylic paint colors; combining primary colors to achieve secondary ones. Entitled The Tree of Science, my art work depicts one aspect of the groundbreaking quantum theory. The comparisons between two eras: Newtonian and the new quantum notions are signified by two sides of this tree. Essentially, the tree conveys the message that, despite doubtful minds, there is always something left to be discovered in science.
On the left side, the views of the Newtonian or classical era are prominent which is signified primarily by the figure of Isaac Newton sitting under the tree. This particular side of the tree features bare branches which are formed using words and concepts regarding science - the majority of which we have studied in this course. This symbolically indicates that during this period of scientific history, all concepts and notions were considered to have been established. This is reflective of the advice given to Max Planck when he wished to pursue a scientific career: all that is known about science has been discovered - there is no future in science; hence the concepts being revealed by lack of leaves. Newton is also seen reading a book that clearly has words, which refers once more to the belief that science's entire history had been written and finished.
The right side of the tree depicts Max Planck, the founder of Quantum Theory sitting opposite Newton under the tree. Just like Newton, Max Planck is also reading a book, though his does not have any words. This explains that for Planck, things were yet to be written and defined. The branches that are covered with leaves symbolize the undiscovered and consequently uncertain area of science that Planck introduced with the quantum theory. Quantum theory further explores ideas that were previously assumed to be already fully established, like those from the Newtonian era, for example light. While Newton believed light to be a wave, quantum theory defied his theory and introduced the interesting notion that it acts as both a wave and particle. Basically, the leaves identify the notion that there is always something left to be uncovered and discovered in science - much like how quantum theory revolutionized the discipline.
A mutual theme is found on both sides of the tree which essentially encompasses the message of the artwork: an apple. On Newton's side, the apple is seen falling from the tree. This does not only refer to the incident that led to the 'discovery' of gravity, but with another apple still on the tree on the other side, it signifies that there is still 'another apple to fall' - another major breakthrough discovery that is accompanied by quantum theory.