Gamwell's background in the intersection of mathematics, art, and science made her uniquely suited to examine the artistic representations of black holes. She noted a resonance between the concept of a black hole and Eastern traditions, particularly themes of void and nothingness. "I was just astounded at how much art there is about black holes, and I was specifically interested in Asian art," Gamwell told Ars. "There's just something about the concept of a black hole that resonates with the Eastern tradition. So many of the themes—the science of black holes, void, nothingness."

Black holes, once considered purely theoretical, have captured the imaginations of scientists and artists worldwide. The book delves into how artists across different cultures and time periods have grappled with the scientific and philosophical implications of these enigmatic objects. The concept of a singularity, the point of infinite density at the center of a black hole, has been interpreted in various ways, reflecting diverse cultural understandings of the universe and humanity's place within it.

The study of black holes has been a global scientific endeavor, with researchers from various countries contributing to our understanding of their formation, behavior, and impact on the cosmos. Similarly, artistic interpretations of black holes transcend national boundaries, offering a glimpse into the collective human fascination with the unknown. Gamwell's work highlights the cross-cultural dialogue between science and art, demonstrating how abstract scientific concepts can inspire creative expression across diverse cultural contexts.