Today, the American Physical Society, in partnership with the Leonardo Museum of Creativity and Innovation in Salt Lake City, has opened a new exhibition that bridges art and science to show the motion of fluids. “Spiraling Upwards” offers visitors the opportunity to see and interact with installations that demonstrate the physics of fluids and how it can help them understand the world around them. The exhibition runs through Jan. 31, 2025.
“Spiraling Upwards” is the second traveling exhibition of the annual Gallery of Fluid Motion, a visual arts competition coordinated by the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics. This year’s exhibition features more than 25 objects that delve into a humanistic view of fluid motion, focusing on Leonardo Da Vinci’s fascination with flight and the collaborative spirit between art and science. Highlights include cloud visualizations, flying kites at the Mars Desert Research Station, and Da Vinci’s sketches of air currents, waves, and whirlpools.
“Spiraling Upwards” opens ahead of the 77th annual meeting of the American Physical Society’s Division of Fluid Dynamics, when more than 2,800 scientists will convene at the Salt Palace Convention Center Nov. 24-26 to present new research on the physics of fluids— from the aerodynamics of wind energy to ecological fluid mechanics.
“Spiraling Upwards” was curated by Natalia Almonte and Nicole Economides, and coordinated by GW Engineering's Azar Panah, an associate professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering. To engage in the exhibit's online education resources, visit the Traveling Gallery of Fluid Motion website.