Mastering the elements

Mastering the Elements' is a photographic research on the history of scientific exploration and the conquest of nature. Despite the significance of natural sciences for humanity's present and future, the principles of today's scientific practices are often not exposed to the broad social discourse they deserve. By bringing together photography and philosophy into a visual exploration of the history of alchemy and science, Jana Hartmann (DE) initiates an intriguing dialogue on reductionistic and holistic world views. Excerpts from both alchemical writings and modern scientific publications are interwoven with selectively framed photographic representations of scientific phenomena. Ranging from the origin of matter to the Philosophers Stone and humanity's quest to heal disease, prolong life and create wealth, Hartmann aims to foster curiosity towards a world that all too often remains opaque.