Living

Scientists are still puzzling over what distinguishes living from non-living systems. Equally puzzling are the origins of life; we still do not know when, where, or how it first evolved. One of the suggestions made in What Matter Feels is that living systems exploit the basic capacity of matter to feel pleasure and displeasure, and that they organise themselves in a way that maximises their pleasure (by minimising their energy) and minimises their displeasure (by maximising their entropy). To do this they must carry out ‘work’—in the physics sense of the word—which requires a source of ‘free’ energy that is needed to move parts of their matter around during the organisation.

This marbling piece is less formally organised than many others in the series. As sometimes happens, I started out with a plan for a certain design that was derailed in execution due to the highly unpredictable nature of the marbling process. Inks and paints often interact in unexpected ways; they seem to have a life of their own and sometimes it’s best to stand back and let them just get on with it.

This marbling piece is less formally organised than many others in the series. As sometimes happens, I started out with a plan for a certain design that was derailed in execution due to the highly unpredictable nature of the marbling process. Inks and paints often interact in unexpected ways; they seem to have a life of their own and sometimes it’s best to stand back and let them get on with it.

Original artwork: 2023, Ink and paint on paper, 60 x 60 cm.

Posters are shown here at 40 x 30 cm (16 x 12 inches), 60 x 45 cm (24 x 18 inches), and 80 x 60 cm (32 x 24 inches).Our heavier-weight, white, premium matte paper has a natural, smooth uncoated finish that feels luxurious to the touch.

Features:

• The 200 gsm/ 80 lb paper weight makes it durable and long-lasting.
• We use FSC-certified paper or equivalent certifications depending on regional availability. It’s better for the people and the planet.
• Each poster is shipped in robust packaging, ensuring it arrives safe and secure.
• Paper sizes may vary slightly by region. For the US and Canada, the measurement is in inches, while for the rest of the world, it is in centimeters.
• It is printed and shipped on demand. No minimums are required.