PublishedThames & Hudson, November 2015 |
ISBN9780500500590 |
FormatHardcover, 160 pages |
Dimensions23cm × 17.7cm × 2.2cm |
This book introduces and explains the mysterious capacity of the human eye to perceive the beautiful effects of iridescence, or non-pigmented colour, on a wide range of phenomena that seldom fails to capture our attention, and have particular applications in art and the environment.
In this book, the shimmer of iridescent colours - on ancient glass, abalone and pearl shells, soap bubbles and oil slicks, rainbows, feathers of the peacock and rifle bird, butterfly wings and even computer discs - is both explained scientifically and presented via a range of spectacular images drawn from the natural world and the realm of world art. Iridescence is an important component in the arts of the Asia-Pacific region and Indigenous art of Australia, where pearl shell is frequently a major component and iridescent feathers are a feature of ceremonial dress. Iridescence is irresistible and wondrous to human eyes.
