Radiant Matter comprises of a series of recent artworks that are united in their desire to analyze and reflect on the nature of scientific inquiry, the role of speculation, fiction, and spiritualism. A central position in this book belongs to the Radiant Matter, an edited pictorial essay which the book lends its title from, consisting of over 250 images selected from various disciplines: astronomy, cosmology, medicine, technology and anthropology. Their color composition is not coincidental; it is based on the gradient seen on scientific observations of cosmic background radiation. Since ancient times celestial bodies are thought to have had an influence on the human body, as oftentimes represented in the image of the Zodiac Man. Already in the 1800s electromagnetic waves had been discovered and some 100 years ago cosmic radiation was identified. Radiant Matter recon- figures such moments in history, scientific or spiritual in nature, in order to analyze, manipulate and revaluate their significance.
Together with a poetic image essay and a conversation between the artist and the editor Kris Dittel, this widely illustrated book includes texts by Ken Hollings, Maarten Vanden Eynde, and Raqs Media Collective.
