The Transformative Power of Alchemy: Understanding the Influence of Knowledge Exchange between Alchemists and Arts Producers on Creative Inspiration and Innovation Practices | ||||
| International Design Journal | ||||
| Article 3, Volume 13, Issue 5, September and October 2023, Page 39-47 PDF (1.22 MB) | ||||
| Document Type: Original Article | ||||
| DOI: 10.21608/idj.2023.312385 | ||||
 View on SCiNiTO | ||||
| Authors | ||||
| Mayssa Ahmad Ali Elfar1; Mina Eshaq Tawfilis Dawood2 | ||||
| 1Sculpture, Architectural Formation and Restoration Department, Faculty of Applied Arts, Damietta University | ||||
| 2Assistant lecturer, Industrial Design Department, Faculty of Applied Arts, Damietta University, eshaqmina@gmail.com | ||||
| Abstract | ||||
| The worlds of alchemy and art have long been intertwined, with both disciplines striving to transform and transmute the raw into the refined. However, despite the historical connections between alchemy and art, there has been little exploration of how knowledge was transferred between these two disciplines in the past, and how it can be utilized in modern times. This study seeks to explore the transfer of knowledge between alchemists and art producers throughout history, with a focus on the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. Scholars who were trained in alchemy offered valuable chemical knowledge that artisans used to enhance their craftsmanship. As a result, there was a joint effort between these two groups to expand their understanding of alchemy beyond their shared material practices. This paper aims to explore the historical connections between alchemy and art technology using extensive research methods, including analysis of primary texts and historical sources. By investigating their interconnectedness, a deeper understanding can be gained of how knowledge was exchanged between these seemingly disparate disciplines throughout history. The specific objectives are: 1) To examine the sharing of knowledge between alchemists and art producers in history. 2) To investigate how different types of knowledge and techniques were applied in both fields through their exchange. 3) To analyze the impact this exchange had on both alchemy and art development as well as its influence on contemporary art & technology. 4) Employing an interdisciplinary methodology based on historic theories to gain insight into the connection that exists today. By examining these two unique branches' mutual influence over time through collaboration - we hope for insights that lead us to greater scientific advancement coupled with cultural evolution. Overall, this study aims to shed light on how knowledge transfer between alchemists and art producers has impacted the development of both fields throughout history and to consider how this transfer of knowledge can continue to influence contemporary art and technology. Methodology In this paper, the author sets out to provide an in-depth exploration of the fascinating fields of alchemy and art technology. Utilizing extensive research methods such as thorough analysis of both primary texts and historical sources, this investigation aims not only to comprehend each field separately but also to reveal how these two seemingly disparate disciplines intersected throughout history. By delving into their interconnectedness, a more nuanced understanding can be gained of the knowledge exchange between them. By focusing on: 1) To explore the historical connections between alchemy and art, particularly regarding the sharing of knowledge between alchemists and art producers. 2) To investigate the different types of knowledge and techniques that were exchanged between alchemists and art producers, and how they were applied in both fields. 3) To analyze the impact of this exchange of knowledge on the development of both alchemy and art and to consider how it might continue to influence contemporary art and technology. 4) To employ an interdisciplinary methodology that incorporates historical writings and theories on both alchemy and art, to gain a deeper understanding of the historical and contemporary connections between the two fields. To achieve this goal with maximum depth and attention, the subsequent sections outline further details regarding specific research objectives that will guide the inquiry toward enlightening conclusions. In essence, by closely examining how these two unique branches of knowledge have influenced one another over time through interdisciplinary exchange and collaboration - we gain insights into greater scientific advancement as well as cultural evolution. Major results Alchemy was a science that focused on the transmutation and refining of minerals, but it can be understood more broadly as a field of knowledge reflecting on any kind of transformation or refinement. Alchemy's connection to art goes back centuries and includes shared interests in transformation and the creation of something new. This broader understanding of alchemy offers insights into other fields of knowledge beyond chemistry and spirituality, such as art. Alchemy's influence on art has expanded to encompass more contemporary forms of expression and alchemical symbolism has been incorporated into various artistic movements. Moreover, the riddling image language of alchemy created a multitude of linguistic techniques that have been encoded into alchemical Decknamen. These techniques were used to encode both practical and theoretical alchemy, requiring social knowledge of the coded language of alchemists and making it a highly specialized field of knowledge. Furthermore, alchemy's practical applications in the field of scientific practice cannot be ignored. | ||||
| Keywords | ||||
| Alchemy Theory; Alchemists; Arts Producers; Interdisciplinary Exchange; Creative Inspiration; Innovation Practices | ||||
|
Supplementary Files
|
||||
| References | ||||
|
1. Aiken, P. (1944). Vincent of Beauvais and Chaucer's Knowledge of Alchemy. Studies in Philology, 41(3), 371-389.
2. Berlin, S. M. zu. (2020). Alchemy. The Great Art. Staatliche Museen zu Berlin. https://www.smb.museum/en/exhibitions/detail/alchemy-the-great-art/
3. Bolitho, J., & Bruce, J. (2017). Science, art and alchemy: Best practice in facilitating restorative justice. Contemporary Justice Review, 20(3), 336-362.
4. Brickhill, J. (2014). Public interest alchemy: combining art and science to litigate for social change. Available at SSRN 3172855.
5. Cavendish, R. (1968). The Black Arts: A concise history of witchcraft, demonology, astrology, alchemy, and other mystical practices throughout the ages. Penguin.
6. Cotnoir, B. (2021). Practical Alchemy: A Guide to the Great Work. Weiser Books.
7. Davis, T. L. (1936). The problem of the origins of alchemy. The Scientific Monthly, 43(6), 551-558.
8. Dobbs, B. J. T. (1983). The foundations of Newton's alchemy. CUP Archive.
9. Donefer-Hickie, A. M. (2020, February 24). Alchemy, science, and innovations in the decorative arts. The Metropolitan Museum of Art. https://www.metmuseum.org/blogs/now-at-the-met/2020/alchemy-science-making-marvels
10. Elgazzar, M. A. G., & Dawood, M. (2023). Usability: Improving UI/UX in Design by challenges of Materials Innovations. International Design Journal, 13(1), 37-56.
11. Ford, L. R. (2005). Alchemy and Patentability: Technology, Useful Arts, and the Chimerical Mind-Machine. Cal. WL Rev., 42, 49.
12. Fraser, K. (2018). Distilling Nature’s Secrets: The Sacred Art of Alchemy.
13. Fraser, K. (2020). Alchemy: Reflections on the sacred art in a secular age - the alpine review. - The Alpine Review. https://www.thealpinereview.com/articles/alchemy-reflections-on-the-sacred-art-in-a-secular-age
14. Hopkins, A. J. (1925). A modern theory of alchemy. Isis, 7(1), 58-76.
15. Jordan, A. M. A. (2021). Alchemical art: Arts-based research on creative processes, psychological healing, and trauma (Doctoral dissertation, Pacifica Graduate Institute).
16. Kudelska, M. (2020). The Alchemical Life of Ernesta Thot–A Romantic Heroine of Art. In Aesthetics, Organization, and Humanistic Management (pp. 73-93). Routledge.
17. Moran, B. T. (2013). Art and Artisanship in Early Modern Alchemy. Getty Research Journal, (5), 1-14.
18. Newman, W. R. (2010). Atoms and alchemy: Chymistry and the experimental origins of the scientific revolution. University of Chicago Press.
19. Nummedal, T. E. (2011). Words and Works in the History of Alchemy. Isis, 102(2), 330-337.
20. Ogrinc, W. H. (1980). Western Society and Alchemy from 1200 to 1500. Journal of Medieval History, 6(1), 103-132.
21. Otis, P. (2003). The intelligence pro and the professor: Toward an alchemy of applied arts and sciences. Bringing intelligence about: Practitioners reflect on best practices, 7-17.
22. Pinkus, K. (2009). Alchemical Mercury: A Theory of Ambivalence. Stanford University Press.
23. Powers, J. C. (2012). Inventing chemistry: Herman Boerhaave and the reform of the chemical arts. University of Chicago Press.
24. Principe, L. M. (2012). The secrets of alchemy. University of Chicago Press.
25. Read, J. (1995). From alchemy to chemistry. Courier Corporation.
26. Schaverien, J. (1999). The revealing image: Analytical art psychotherapy in theory and practice. Jessica Kingsley Publishers.
27. Silberer, H. (1971). Hidden Symbolism of ALCHEMY and the OCCULT ARTS. Courier Corporation.
28. Sims, R., & Sims, R. (2014). Why Design Alchemy? (pp. 13-24). Springer International Publishing.
29. Sivin, N. (1976). Chinese alchemy and the manipulation of time. Isis, 67(4), 513-526.
30. Smith, P. H. (2016). The business of alchemy: Science and culture in the Holy Roman Empire. Princeton University Press.
31. Szulakowska, U. (2011). Alchemy in contemporary art. Ashgate Publishing, Ltd..
32. Umbrella , R. (2021). Art and Alchemy. MPIWG. https://www.mpiwg-berlin.mpg.de/research/projects/FGDupre_Dupre_Nelson_Alchemy
33. Wamberg, J. (Ed.). (2006). Art & alchemy. Museum Tusculanum Press.
34. Zamparo, M. (2017). “An art/That Nature makes”: The Alchemical Conception of Art and Nature in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale. Le Simplegadi, (17), 347-360. | ||||
|
Statistics Article View: 190 PDF Download: 161 |
||||
