A new exploration into the artistic interpretations of black holes is presented in "Conjuring the Void: The Art of Black Holes," a book authored by Lynn Gamwell, who previously served as director of the New York Academy of Sciences Gallery of Art and Science. The book features a wide array of artistic works inspired by these celestial phenomena, reflecting a global fascination with the scientific concept.

Gamwell, whose background lies in the intersection of mathematics, art, and science, initially presented her research at the annual conference of Harvard's interdisciplinary Black Hole Initiative. This talk served as the foundation for the book. "I was just astounded at how much art there is about black holes," Gamwell told Ars, highlighting the surprising prevalence of the subject in artistic expression.

The concept of black holes, once considered purely theoretical, has permeated various cultures and artistic mediums worldwide. Gamwell noted a particular resonance within Eastern artistic traditions. "There's just something about the concept of a black hole that resonates with the Eastern tradition," she said, pointing to themes of void and nothingness that align with the science of black holes.

The book delves into how artists across different cultures have grappled with the abstract and often paradoxical nature of black holes. It examines how these cosmic entities have been used to explore themes ranging from the infinite to the infinitesimal, and from creation to destruction. The global perspective offered in "Conjuring the Void" provides insight into the diverse ways in which humanity attempts to understand its place in the universe through both scientific inquiry and artistic expression.