Charles M. Falco, professor of optical sciences and chair of condensed matter physics at the University of Arizona, spoke Monday night about the ways in which different disciplines interact. Specifically, he examined the use of optical instruments in art centuries earlier than scientists believed possible.
Falco will deliver another lecture tonight, "The Art and Science of the Motorcycle" in the Union Building Ballroom at 7:30 p.m. Drawing from his experience at the Guggenheim Museum, he will explain the value of the motorcycle from various perspectives as he did for the "Art of the Motorcycle" exhibition.
Falco has published hundreds of scientific papers and is a fellow of the American Physical Society, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, the Optical Society of America and the Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.
Though Falco has never formally studied art, his time with painter David Hockney sparked an interest that inspired new research. His Hockney-Falco thesis also originated with his time with the painter.